Leading scientists calls for 40 per cent cut in emissions
Leading scientists calls for 40 per cent cut in emissions
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Thursday, 17, Sep 2009 12:10
By Richard James.
A group of leading climate change scientists have called on world leaders to agree to drastically cut carbon emissions.
In a statement, instigated by the WWF, the experts have called for industrialised countries to make a commitment at the upcoming UN climate summit in Copenhagen, to cut carbon emissions by at least 40 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020.
The scientists claim the drastic cuts need to be made in order to keep temperatures below 2°C and avoid dangerous climate change.
World leaders are due to meet in December to discuss how best to tackle climate change and to potentially agree on a series of new emission-cutting targets.
Commenting on today's statement, Keith Allott, head of climate change at WWF-UK, said: "As the UK government rallies the EU to step up to the mark ahead of Copenhagen, it is time for Gordon Brown and other world leaders to turn words into action.
"Industrialised nations need to prove that their pledge to keep the world below 2°C is not mere grandstanding. They must commit to global emissions cuts of at least 40 per cent by 2020; anything less will lead to a weak global agreement and leave the world wide open to the worst impacts of climate change."
Experts claim a 40 per cent reduction in emissions is the "very least" needed to provide a better chance at avoiding devastation for those low-lying countries most at risk from the temperature rise.
A number of key meetings regarding climate change are taking place in the coming weeks, including the UN General Assembly in New York and the G20 heads of state meeting in Pittsburgh.