Q+A: How is Italy G8 summit measuring up against aims?

Fri Jul 10, 2009 4:58pm BST
 
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L'AQUILA, July 10 Reuters) - The Group of Eight rich nations and the G5 of emerging economies were among 40 nations and organizations represented at a three-day summit to discuss recession, climate change, trade and food security.

Below is a comparison between aims going in to the meeting and the results achieved.

FOOD SECURITY

The only area where world leaders delivered more than expected. They pledging $20 billion over three years to spur agricultural investment in poorer countries to fight hunger. Up to the last moment, expectations had been for $15 billion.

U.S. President Barack Obama pushed for a shift toward farm investment aid from emergency food aid. Washington will make $3.5 billion available.

EMISSIONS CUTS

Leaders wanted to narrow differences over cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and funding for low carbon technology in preparation for a meeting in December to agree a new U.N. climate change pact to replace the Kyoto agreement.

But G8 leaders failed to persuade India and China to join a push to cut greenhouse emissions by 50 percent by 2050.

And a G8 deal to reduce its greenhouse gas emission by 80 percent by 2050 was thrown into doubt within hours of being announced. Canada said the goal was 'aspirational' and Russia said it could not meet the target.  Continued...

 

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