G-8 leaders vow 50% emissions cut

Group of Eight leaders pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50 per cent by 2050, while leaving each country to pursue its own path in tackling pollution blamed for global warming.

The declaration at the G-8 in Toyako, Japan, included a promise to share the "vision" of a low-carbon economy with less developed nations, embracing calls by President that countries such as China and India be included in any climate accord.

In a statement criticised by environmental groups for not going far enough, the G-8 said "this global challenge can only be met by a global response" and pressed for "contributions from all major economies."

Voicing concern that fossil fuel pollution threatens to wreak environmental havoc worldwide, the G-8 sought to put momentum into the 170-nation climate talks sponsored by the United Nations, with the goal of striking an agreement next year.

Japanese Prime Minister said the reduction would be "relative to current levels." The statement made no mention of a starting point for measuring the cuts. An earlier accord set the baseline at 1990, when emissions were lower.

South Africa's environment minister called the G-8's road map "an empty slogan without substance."

Timeline Surprise: G-8 host Fukuda had downplayed expectations at the start of the summit that the group would go beyond last year's promise to "consider seriously" setting target and set a deadline. The 2050 target sidesteps differences