G8 leaders agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 80 percent by 2050. They also called to all developed countries to slash their own emissions.

 

Australia has promised to cut its emissions by 60 percent within the time frame and is now under pressure to commit to further cuts.  The Climate Group’s Australian director, Rupert Posner, is quoted in Friday press as saying the G8 declaration had “absolutely”‘ made it more likely that Australia would lift its 2050 target.

 

Cutting emissions by 80 percent is meant to stop gl;obal warming at 2 degrees Celsium. Science shows that any further increases in temperature will have a catastophic impact on much of the world’s infrastructure. 

 

G8 leaders including US President Barack Obama are at L’Aquila summit that they are prepared to offer new financial incentives for other nations to join in the effort. 

 

But many of the less developed but quickly growing economics are likely to resist committing to the 80 percent emissions cut. A Russian advisor rejected the idea calling it “unacceptable and unattainable.” China, India, Brazil, Mexico, Egypt and South Africa are likely to also think the target unrealistic. 

 

The topic will come up for discussion again in the December climate change negotiations in Copenhagen.