British Prime Minister Gordon Brown proposed a "Copenhagen Launch Fund" to help poorer countries tackle climate change immediately, as part of a global climate agreement to be reached in Copenhagen in December, the prime minister's office announced on Friday.

Brown said he was optimistic developed countries would support the measure of US$10 billion.

Half of the funding would go towards helping developing countries reduce greenhouse gases with "payment for results." The other half would help developing countries to adapt to climate change, with priority for the poorest and most vulnerable.

Brown said the fund would ensure that some of the world's poorest countries, who are most affected by climate change, can get the help necessary.

"I think it is very important that the deadlock is broken. That means that the poorer countries must have an understanding that the richer countries will help them adapt to climate change and make the necessary adjustments in their economies," he said.

Brown said: "We have got to provide some money to help that. Britain will do so, the rest of Europe will do so and I believe America will do so as well."

According to the prime minister, the British government would contribute 800 million pounds (US$1,280 million) in total over three years, which has already been budgeted for.

(Xinhua News Agency November 28, 2009)