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Russia to cut 10-15% greenhouse gas emissions by 2020

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-09-18 13:23

Russia will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 10-15 percent from 1990 levels by 2020, a Russian presidential aide said Thursday in Moscow at a press conference.

The Itar-Tass news agency quoted Arkady Dvorkovich as saying the move ensured energy efficiency was a priority for Russia.

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"Over the previous 20 years, we have made a major contribution in efforts to reduce gas emissions. If one calculates results cumulatively until 2020, our contribution in this respect will be the largest, whatever anyone says," he said.

President Dmitry Medvedev will attend the UN General Assembly session on climate change next week, said Dvorkovich.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon hopes the one-day climate summit slated for Sept 22 will help mobilize the "political will and vision needed" to clinch a deal on greenhouse gas emissions before a historic UN climate conference in December in Copenhagen.

Europe views itself as the world leader and wants to limit climate change to 2 C above pre-industrial levels by 2050. It has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 20 percent by 2020, and to raise this to 30 percent if there is agreement at Copenhagen.
In the past few years while adhering to the Scientific Outlook on Development Hu promotes, China has been working towards rigorous targets - which it had set for itself - to promote clean energy, push for energy efficiency and cut greenhouse emissions.
I hope China will categorically outline her stance on vital international issues. I would be totally disappointed if deliberations after this UN summits turn out to be "the same old wine in old cups."
 
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