However, the talks have come at a time when many industrialized nations are trying to spur growth in their stagnant economies.

"We cannot have a system where there will be automatic compensation whenever severe weather events are happening in one place or other around the planet. You can understand why this is not feasible," said Connie Hedegaard, the European Commissioner for Climate Action.

Mary Sering, the Philippine representative at the talks, criticized the lack of an agreement on greenhouse gas emissions.

"If we are to review our progress, would it be right for me to conclude that we failed miserably? Looking at science and how it manifested itself, not only at Typhoon Haiyan but also other events, like Katrina in the United States, the heat wave in France, the wildfires in Australia, and other extreme events occurring after observed increased warming, should we not be all ashamed being here?" asked Sering.

The conference continues through Friday. The group hopes to lay the groundwork for a 2015 climate agreement.