China asks developed nations to scale up emission targets

China today called on wealthy nations to drastically increase the rate at which they plan to cut carbon emissions, raising an issue which had not figured in the international climate negotiations in Tianjin, that got underway on Tuesday.

According to China's chief negotiator, Su Wei, the emission reduction goals of developed countries should be dramatically increased.

"We can't discuss other elements and not discuss these countries and how they can narrow their differences on these issues," he said, adding, "They may be able to sign a limited agreement at higher-level talks in Cancún later in the year."

The "balanced package" as it is vaguely referred to, include the commitments that countries made last year to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but critics say the deal can only serve as a band-aid.

"One of the main things here is management of expectations. They are dangerously low," said Li Yan of Greenpeace. "If countries settle for low ambitions, it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy in Cancún."

Meanwhile, scientists and environmental groups warn that existing pledges would be totally inadequate to reach the Copenhagen accord goal of keeping global warming within 2 degree C by 2050.