G8 Agree on ‘Substantial’ CO2 Cuts
June 7, 2007 at 4:45 pm
Blair & Bush
The G8 today reached a significant deal on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to a breaking news report on The Guardian’s website.


Following talks between British Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President George W. Bush this morning, the world’s leading economies pledged to make “substantial” cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.

According to a G8 statement, the leading polluters would “seriously consider” the decision of the European Union, Japan and Canada to cut emissions by at least 50% by 2050.

“We commit ourselves to these goals and invite the major emerging economies to join us in this endeavour,” the statement said.

Mr Blair called the deal a “major, major step forward”.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel added: “In terms of targets, we agreed on clear language… that recognises that [rises in] CO2 emissions must first be stopped and then followed by substantial reductions.”

President Bush also announced that the US would enter UN negotiations on a successor to the Kyoto Protocol – pending the inclusion of China and India in the talks – and that an agreement on climate change between the world’s leading powers should be in place by the end of next year.

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