G8 climate change declarations
2008-07-10 08:37
Paris - The Group of Eight summit statement on climate change is the latest in a series of declarations on tackling the carbon emissions which stoke global warming.
Following is a chronology of these commitments:
1992: Rio Earth Summit sets up a global arena, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
1997: UNFCCC parties sign the Kyoto Protocol, the first international accord to set down specific action for targeting greenhouse-gas emissions. The goal is to reduce emissions by industrialised countries by an average of 5.2% by 2012 compared with 1990 levels.
2001: The US deals a crippling blow to Kyoto by walking out as the deal's rulebook is being negotiated. It says the protocol is unfair, as fast-growing developing giants such as China and India do not have targeted commitments. US abandonment means the Kyoto cuts are likely to be only 1-2%, assuming the other parties meet their pledges.
2007: Dutch scientists say global emissions have risen by about a quarter since 1990, driven especially by China, which has displaced the US as the number one 1 polluter.
Cut emissions
UN climate scientists stress the need for action in the medium term. Panel says global emissions must peak by 2015 and fall thereafter to help limit the warming to 2°C by century's end. Under one scenario, industrialised countries would have to cut emissions by 25-40% by 2020.
The EU unilaterally decides to cut its own emissions by 20% by 2020 compared with 1990 levels, and offers to deepen this to 30% if other industrialised parties follow suit.
The G8 summit in Heiligendamm, Germany, promises to "seriously consider" a reduction of at least 50% in global emissions by 2050. It does not mention a base year.
UNFCCC parties, meeting in Bali, Indonesia, agree to launch two years of negotiations leading to a new treaty for emissions curbs after Kyoto's pledges expire at the end of 2012.
2008: In June, Japan sets a goal of reducing its own greenhouse gas emissions by 60-80% by 2050. The base year is current levels, not 1990.
In July, the G8 says it will "consider and adopt" a reduction of at least 50% by 2050 that would entail "contributions from all major economies". The base year, says Japan, will be 2008. The summit does not spell out pledges for the post-2012 period.