National Academies of Science of 13 countries call for 50% CO2 cut

The National Academies of 13 countries told the leaders of the biggest polluting countries that immediate large-scale mitigation action is required, and CO₂ emissions need to be cut by 50%.

The transition to a low carbon society requires: setting standards; designing economic instruments and promoting energy efficiency across all sectors; encouraging changes in individual behaviour; strengthening technology transfer to enable leapfrogging to cleaner and more efficient technologies; and investing strongly in carbon-removing technologies and low-carbon energy resources: nuclear power, solar energy, hydroelectricity and other renewable energy sources.

The 13 countries urging immediate action to cut global emissions in half are:

1. Brazil
2. Canada
3. China
4. France
5. Germany
6. India
7. Italy
8. Japan
9. Mexico
10. Russia
11. South Africa
12. United Kingdom
13. United States