U.K. sees 'modest' result from Doha talks

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LONDON, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- The British government described progress made during last week's U.N.-backed climate negotiations in Doha as "modest."

More than 190 representatives at the Doha climate talks endorsed a measure to cut energy-related carbon emissions. Those countries that ratified the Kyoto Protocol agreed to extend that agreement, though that climate regime covers just 15 percent of global emissions.

The United States hasn't ratified Kyoto and other major economies have backed out of the agreement.

Connie Hedegaard, the European commissioner for climate action, said negotiations in Doha weren't easy, adding, in a statement, that there were "very intense negotiations" ahead on climate issues.

Ed Davey, British energy and climate change secretary, added that agreements on Kyoto were welcome, though global talks were "very tough."

"This round of international climate change talks was a modest step forward," he said in a statement.

A series of reports released before the Doha meetings warned that warming trends may escalate even if world governments meet emissions objectives.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in a statement issued through his spokesman's office, said "far more needs to be done" to keep expected climate issues in check.