G-8 Leaders Endorse Cutting Greenhouse Gases in Half by 2050

Leaders of the Group of Eight nations endorsed cutting global emissions of greenhouse gases in half by 2050, but stopped short of more short-term targets, the Associated Press reported Tuesday.

The countries — the United States, Japan, Russia, Germany, France, Britain, Canada and Italy — also called on all major economies to join in the effort to reduce the rise in global temperatures, AP reported. The G-8 leaders are meeting in Japan this week.

Shorter-term greenhouse gas reduction targets have been more difficult to reach consensus on, as the United States has argued that meeting a European-supported goal of reducing emissions by between 25% and 40% by 2020 is unrealistic, AP said.

United Nations-led climate talks have been subject to divisions, as developing nations have urged more wealthy countries to take the first steps, while the United States, Japan and others want to hear what rapidly developing countries like China are willing to do, AP reported.