BRUSSELS -- The European Union is welcoming plans by Japan's incoming prime minister to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent by 2020.
EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said Tuesday the proposal is "really very encouraging" for those trying to negotiate a new global climate change pact.
The Democratic Party of Japan, which won last month's national elections, promised during the campaign to reduce the country's emissions 25 percent from 1990 levels. The EU has promised to cut its emissions 20 percent by 2020, but is willing to cut up to 30 percent if rich countries follow suit.
Japan's pledge comes before a United Nations conference in Copenhagen, where countries hope to forge a new agreement to replace the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.
© 2009 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
|
