A reduction in global carbon emissions of 50 percent by 2050 was an inadequate outcome of July’s G8 summit held in Hokkaido, Toyako Japan, according to critics of the summit leaders’ goals. Critics highlight that climate scientists say bigger cuts, around 80 percent, are needed to effectively address climate change. Disagreement was also evident between the targets put forward by the leaders of the G8 countries and the expectations of developing countries such as China and India, who are calling for bigger cuts in emissions from industrialised nations.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd attended the summit as part of the Major Economies Meeting (MEM). Set up in May 2007, by President Bush to discuss climate change issues, the MEM is made up of the G8 countries plus India, China and six other major emitting countries.

Kim Carstensen, Director of WWF’s Global Climate Initiative described the MEM as, “a Major Embarrassment Meeting for G8 leaders who were coming to the table with too little while demanding too much from the developing countries.”

Disagreement on targets
In response to the G8 leaders’ 2050 target, China and India refused to contribute ‘meaningful mitigation actions’ to help meet the global goal. Carstensen added, "the G8 are responsible for 62 percent of the carbon dioxide accumulated in the Earth's atmosphere, which makes them the main culprit of climate change and the biggest part of the problem.”

Meanwhile the G5 countries (Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa) have called for industrialised nations to reduce emissions by between 80 and 95 percent by 2050, and commit to mid-term targets of 25 – 40 percent by 2020, with the European Union pushing for similar mid-term targets. The G5 group released a statement saying, “it is essential that developed countries take the lead in achieving ambitious and absolute greenhouse gas emission reductions."

Rudd addresses MEM
In addressing the leaders of the MEM, Mr Rudd said, “if we find ourselves in Copenhagen at the end of next year still having the same old debates, still afraid to act first and still afraid to make bold decisions, then future generations will look dimly on our failed efforts.” 

One positive result emerging from the summit was a shift in the US’ stance regarding emissions reductions. Where in the past President Bush had refused to commit to reducing emissions unless China and India also agreed, the US have agreed to the 2050 target along with the other 7 nations. 

References

•  Wintour , P. Elliott , L. ‘Bush signs G8 deal to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,’ The Guardian, July 08, 2008
• ‘G8 Agrees on 'Global' Emissions Reduction Target,’ SustainableBusiness.com
• ‘FACTBOX-Major Economies Meeting nations gather at G8,’ Reuters, July 09, 2008
• ‘G8 deal on global carbon targets,’ Herald-Sun, July 09, 2008-07-2
• Alford, P. & Shanahan, D. ‘G8 fails test: PM,’ Herald-Sun, July 10, 2008   
• ‘G8 duck responsibility and fail to lead,’ http://wwf.org.au/news, July 09, 2008
• ‘Major Economies Meeting turns into Major Embarrassment Meeting for G8,’ http://wwf.org.au/news/, July 09, 2008