G8 signs up to emission cuts

The UK govt actions are hindering climate change efforts

Tuesday, 08, Jul 2008 12:00

Carbon emissions should be cut in half by 2050 through a United Nations deal, G8 leaders have said.

The group of the world's eight richest countries, meeting on the Japanese island of Hokkaido, said they would seek a UN agreement with nearly 200 other states to tackle the issue.

Leaders have hailed the move, which sees G8 leaders recognising the findings of the intergovernmental panel on climate change and the resolution seen at the end of talks in Bali last year.

Immediately after announcing the 2050 target the statement adds: "This global challenge can only be met by a global response, in particular, by the contributions from all major economies, consistent with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities."

Environmentalists remain sceptical, however, while South Africa has rejected the communique because of its "regressive" nature.

Intermediate targets were mentioned in the final statement on climate change and carbon emissions but no numeral values were specified.

WWF global climate initiative director Kim Carstensen believes this represents a serious failure and reflects the "pathetic" link between rhetoric and action.

"Confirming the results of last year’s summit in Heiligendamm is hardly a remarkable outcome. So little progress after a whole year of minister meetings and negotiations is not only a wasted opportunity, it falls dangerously short of what is needed to protect people and nature from climate change," he said.