Major economies unlikely to agree on climate action plan

With China almost away from the scene and major developed economies failing to agree on a target for halving world's greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, any declaration on global emission reduction at the G8-G5 summit in Italy is unlikely to further the cause of the climate change conference in Copenhagen set for December.

The 17-country Major Economies Forum, whose members account for about 80 per cent of global gas emissions, is unlikely to agree on the draft documents aimed at limiting world temperature rises to 2 Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial revolution levels.

India, on its part, has opposed the idea of linking global trade negotiations with climate change deliberations.

Considering the levels of economic development of various countries and the different aspects like inputs, skill level, technology available in these countries, India feels that needs of the developing countries have to be taken care of while setting global emission reduction targets.

This will also address the fears of developed countries that the assumption of strict emission standards by them would render their industries uncompetitive relative to those in major developing countries, an official release said.

Developed countries too are still reluctant to accept some of the responsibilities like immediate reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and financing technologies.