G8 urged to do more over climate change

The agreement of the Group of Eight leading industrialised nations yesterday to cut greenhouse gases was a first – as was its decision to limit global warming to no more than two percent.

Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel hailed the outcome as an important breakthrough.

But within a few hours certain cracks appeared to question the group’s solidarity.

Russia’s principal economic advisor to President Medvedev reportedly described as “unacceptable” the deal to collectively reduce harmful emissions to 80 percent by 2050.

Several environmental activist groups also heaped scorn on the accord saying Moscow’s comments reflected there is s a clear divide within the Russian delegation.

Other groups chose to express their opposition by occupying coal fired power stations.

Their message is clear. Unless world leaders and developing nations reach agreement on how the changes can be achieved global warming will increase unchecked.

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tags: Climate, G8 Summit, Italy