UN: Emission pledges fall short of climate target

[November 23, 2010]  HELSINKI (AP) -- The U.N. says current pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are falling short of those needed to avoid the worst consequences of global warming.

In a report released Tuesday, the U.N. Environmental Program says voluntary pledges made by dozens of countries last year at Copenhagen aren't enough to meet the target of keeping temperatures from rising more than 2 degrees C (3.6 F) above pre-industrial levels.

However, the program says the gap can be reduced with steeper emissions cuts and stricter rules on how to offset emissions.

Climate negotiators will meet in Cancun, Mexico, next week for another round of talks on curbing the greenhouse gas emissions blamed for warming the planet.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.