The G8, meeting in Italy this week, have agreed for the first time to recognise that the rise in average global temperature should be limited to 2°C. The G8 leaders subsequently pledged to support global targets to cut emissions by 50% by 2050, with an extended intention support an ambitious long-term target of 80% for more industrialised countries.
However, the plans have been criticised by some green groups, due to the base year for calculating emission reductions being left ambiguous. The declaration states that the reductions should be "compared to 1990 or more recent years". The wording could lead to wrangling between nations, especially between Western European countries and developing nations.
The conference has been quick to promote the fiscal stimulus packages that have focused resources towards energy efficiency measures and support for renewable energy technologies and clean coal.
However, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon criticised leaders of the G8 or failing to make deeper commitments to combat climate change. Ki-Moon, stated that the agreement by the G8 are insufficient to counter climate change.
“The climate problem brings along a responsibility, which is historical and mandatory for our planet’s future,
Ban Ki-Moon told the press at the end of the G8 Summit.
However, the plans have been criticised by some green groups, due to the base year for calculating emission reductions being left ambiguous. The declaration states that the reductions should be "compared to 1990 or more recent years". The wording could lead to wrangling between nations, especially between Western European countries and developing nations.
The conference has been quick to promote the fiscal stimulus packages that have focused resources towards energy efficiency measures and support for renewable energy technologies and clean coal.
However, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon criticised leaders of the G8 or failing to make deeper commitments to combat climate change. Ki-Moon, stated that the agreement by the G8 are insufficient to counter climate change.
“The climate problem brings along a responsibility, which is historical and mandatory for our planet’s future,
Ban Ki-Moon told the press at the end of the G8 Summit.
