Copenhagen Accord signatories pledge national emissions limits
Mon 15 February 2010
View all news
55 signatory countries to the Copenhagen Accord have submitted pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Meanwhile, the UK is on course to meet its Kyoto target commitment, exceeding a 12.5% cut in greenhouse gas emissions this year compared with 1990 levels.
Countries submitting pledges to the UNFCCC by the end of January this year include the major emitters: the US and the European Union. Australia, Japan, Canada and Russia have also submitted pledges.
Representing its 27 member states, the EU reiterated its long held position of committing to a 20% reduction in emissions by 2020 compared to 1990 levels with the condition of moving to a 30% if others make comparable commitments. The United States indicated its agreed position resulting from Copenhagen of a 17% reduction by 2020 from a 2005 base year, with a finalised target being reported when associated US legislation is enacted.
Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC said: “These pledges have been formally communicated to the UNFCCC. Greater ambition is required to meet the scale of the challenge. But I see these pledges as clear signals of willingness to move negotiations towards a successful conclusion”. The next round of formal negotiations is scheduled at the end of May 2010 in Bonn
In other climate change news, the UK has exceeded its Kyoto target to cut emissions by 12.5% on 1990 levels, but will not meet the goal of a 20% cut by 2010
According to the latest figures, the UK's greenhouse gas emissions fell by 1.9% in 2008.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) says the decrease is mainly the result of continuing to switch from coal to natural gas for electricity production, combined with lower consumption of fossil fuels in industry and transport.
Related Links
< Back to news list