South Africa
Conditionally Agrees To Emissions Cut
South
Africa has offered to slow the growth of its greenhouse gas
emissions by 34 percent by the Year 2020, on a condition that
broader international agreement and financial aid are in place.
She made the offer on the eve of international climate talks in
Copenhagen, Denmark, being attended by President Jacob Zuma.
Gradual cuts
The presidency said in a statement on its website, ’’ This
level of effort enables South Africa's emissions to peak between
2020 and 2025, plateau for approximately a decade and decline in
absolute terms thereafter.’’
’’South Africa would lower its carbon emissions, largely from
burning coal, to 34 percent below expected levels by 2020 and
around 42 percent below current trends by 2025,’’ it said.
Conditions
The pledge was however hinged on the offer of more funds and
technological help from rich nations.
’’This undertaking is conditional on firstly, a fair, ambitious
and effective agreement ... and secondly, the provision of
support from the international community, and in particular
finance, technology and support," the statement said.
The country's chief climate negotiator, Alf Wills, said South
Africa's offer is its first quantification of how it plans to
stop its greenhouse gas emissions from rising.
The planned peak in emissions between Year 2020 and 2025 would
mark a step up from the previously announced peak of 2025.
The build-up to the world's biggest climate talks has been
dominated by arguments over how to share the burden of cutting
greenhouse gases between developed and developing countries, and
how to fund the effort in poorer nations.
Environmental groups welcomed the announcement as a positive
step which should drive more ambitious emission reduction
targets from developed countries.
REUTERS/Yinka
