Britain talks tough on climate

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DOHA, Qatar, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- The British government called on its European counterparts to do more to limit greenhouse gas emissions as part of a comprehensive global deal.

International representatives are meeting in Doha, Qatar, for the 18th session for the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change.

British Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey said developed and developing countries have come forward with pledges to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. The European Union has adopted a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency and raise the share of renewables all by 20 percent by 2020.

"The EU has led the way in calling for more ambition and in enshrining emissions reductions in law," Davey said in a statement. "I want to encourage it to move to a more ambitious 2020 emissions reduction target of 30 percent."

Davey said a global effort is needed in order to reach these and broader climate goals.

A report published by the World Bank ahead of the conference warns of greater temperature extremes unless more action is taken to curb greenhouse gas emissions.