G8 adopts climate change pledge for 2050

L'AQUILA, Italy, July 8 (UPI) -- Group of Eight leaders meeting in Italy pledged to work toward a 50 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2050, part of their vow to fight climate change.

The statement on climate change approved by summit participants also includes a promise of an 80 percent reduction in carbon emissions by the world's richest countries, Italy's news service ANSA reported Wednesday.

The world leaders said they were determined to reach a comprehensive deal at a United Nations summit this December, when consideration takes place on a successor treaty to the Kyoto protocol, which expires in 2012.

"We intend to secure our present and future prosperity by taking the lead in the fight against climate change," said the statement issued from L'Aquila, the summit's host city.

Despite promises from G8 leaders on climate change, concerns were raised that other countries invited to attend the summit would not commit to some of the provisions. Pre-summit climate change negotiations failed to win support from several key countries, including China and India.

G8 leaders also agreed to restrict global temperature rises to no more than 2 degrees (Celsius) above pre-industrial levels, ANSA said.