Senators, global leaders discuss climate

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16 (UPI) -- U.S. Senators and global leaders promised at a Washington meeting to work together to take action against climate change.

The Global Legislators Organization for a Balanced Environment, or Globe, which includes members of the G8 as well as India, China, Brazil, South Africa and Mexico, met Wednesday in Washington to discuss ways of combating climate change.

Among their priorities was to bring the United States into international efforts and create a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012, the Global Youth Climate Movement reported Friday. The group said a successor treaty to Kyodo should be complete by 2009.

"Climate change is a global issue and there is an obligation on us all to take action, in line with our capabilities and historic responsibilities," Globe said in a statement.

Politicians addressing the meeting included Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., and Olympia Snow, R-Maine.

Lieberman said he expects the United States to enact substantial emission reduction legislation before the end of the session in 2008.