http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2008/07/09/eag8109.xml

The G8 summit concluded with major developing countries, such as China and India, refusing to sign on to G8 climate change goals. During the G8 meeting, members agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by fifty percent by the year 2050. Even though, developing countries have said that climate change is an important issue and steps should be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they've concluded that climate change actions should not impeded on their economic growth.

One president of a developing country told the G8 during a closed session: "My country has a great many people living in poverty. They all need support in health, sanitation and basic needs. So we cannot accept the introduction of measures which may hinder our economic growth. If we are going to accept these measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, this must be linked to sustainable growth."

Developing nations are not the only ones criticizing G8 nations on their climate change goals. Environmental groups are also dissatisfied, saying that goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 are not strong enough.

Telegraph; July 9, 2008

Submitted by M. Lamarre