Environmental groups are up in arms over moves by Japan and Canada to eliminate binding emissions targets for rich nations at a gathering of 190 countries at a UN meeting in Bali. The purpose of the meeting is to negotiate new rules when the current phase of the Kyoto Protocol ends in 2012.

Canada has suggested that if emission reductions are to be imposed, they should apply to all nations.

Both Japan and Canada were given “Fossil of the Day” awards on Tuesday, gongs given out by youth delegates from the Climate Action Network to highlight countries that have blocked progress at the talks.

“Emissions reduction targets are the heart of the Kyoto Protocol. Japan’s proposal would kill it,” the group said in a statement.