But now, it's just pitiful and embarrassing. It must be really hard to demand attention when everyone is trying to see who the next president will be:
The G8 statement on climate change is also likely to highlight agreements to develop new technologies and provide funds to help poor countries limit greenhouse gas emissions.
But activists are wary of prospects for real progress until a new US president takes office next year.
"It's a little bit of a kabuki play," said Alden Meyer, director of strategy and policy for the Union of Concerned Scientists.
"Everyone is just waiting for the next president to see how that changes things."
