Originally published on the CGS blog on June 7, 2007.
Reuters reports that the G8 leaders have agreed to “substantial reduction of greenhouse gases,” and a recommitment to UN climate negotiations, but the final G8 communique will not include the firm emissions targets sought by Europe.
The G8 ‘sherpas’ met late into the night last night to hammer out new draft language on climate change. According to the Financial Times, the new draft includes a commitment by all the G8 nations, including the U.S. to negotiate a UN climate agreement by 2009.
“The U.S. will be actively involved — if not taking the lead — in a post-Kyoto framework.” President Bush, speaking this morning at the G8 summit in Heiligendamm, Germany
If this language remains in the final communique, it would represent a significant policy shift for the Bush administration, which has consistently opposed U.S. participation in the Kyoto Protocol, and refused to participate in UN climate negotiations.
Speaking after a meeting with Bush this morning, Prime Minister Blair was waxed optimistic about the outcome.
“I think that it is possible that we?ll leave the summit with a commitment on the part of everyone to a substantial reduction of greenhouse gases by 2050 as a global target that is of the order of the type of figures the Europeans are talking about,” said Mr Blair.
Negotiations on climate change will continue this afternoon…
