Cut CO2 level at least 50% by 2050: UN draft

Nations around the world must reduce greenhouse-gas emissions at least 50 per cent by mid-century under a draft proposal being debated by 192 countries in Copenhagen.

The plan says nations should collectively reduce the heat-trapping pollution that many scientists say could lead to catastrophic climate change between 50 per cent and 95 per cent from 1990 levels. The draft leaves long-term financing, or how much rich nations should pay poor ones to deal with global warming, to be dealt with later.

PTI adds: India is unhappy with the first official draft prepared at the climate change summit saying it was not a negotiated text and mention of “time-frame” for peaking of emissions was objectionable.

“It has been hastily written. There are technical issues which needs to be clarified,” an Indian delegation member said, adding the most concerning part of the draft is the “provision on peaking”.