G8 nations agree to 50% GHG emissions cuts by 2050

Posted by ScruffyDan on July 8, 2008 at 3:03 pm | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0)

While at first the announcement by the G8 seems encouraging, upon further analysis the statement is nothing more than the latest in a long line of a bland, meaningless statements on climate change by the G8.

World leaders say they will aim to set a global target of cutting carbon emissions by at least 50% by 2050 in an effort to tackle global warming.

The first problem is with the statement is the goal. While a 50% reduction of emissions seems a worthy goal, the statement calls for a reduction of current levels rather that the 1990 baseline that was discussed last year. Also the 50% reductions falls short of what the science says we need if we wish avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change.

The second problem with the statement is far more worrisome. The statement lacks any real short term targets, meaning that real action on climate change can always be delayed until tomorrow; delayed until it will be to late and to costly to achieve the 50% reduction.

Any real climate plan needs to achieve the long term emissions cuts that the science says are necessary, and have short targets that require immediate action. This statement by the G8 fails on both those counts.

UPDATE: nthier, over at the Critical Brain Candy blog has a great one line summary of the whole G8 statement: “Great, I don’t have to do anything about this while I’m still in office.“

Trackbacks & Pingbacks

No trackbacks/pingbacks yet.

Comments

I will be interested to see how this works itself out in Canada. This sounds a lot like an international version of Harper’s plan. The greens aren’t going to be happy, but the spin, it seems, could go either way.

Comment by Tristan In Print on July 8, 2008 @ 10:38 pm

Well watching the National on CBC tonight it seems they agree that this statement means absolutely nothing.

Comment by ScruffyDan on July 8, 2008 @ 11:31 pm