Thursday, July 12, 2007

The G8 summit | Friendly environment


Agreement on climate change, and more

DESPITE the row over Russian missiles that preceded it and the mob of angry protestors outside, the G8 meeting probably helped in the quest for global stability. The top industrial countries ended their summit in Heiligendamm on Friday June 8th with a handful of agreements aimed at just that goal. The most positive outcome of the three-day summit was America's apparent shift closer to the G8 mainstream.

The most important agreement was on climate change: a commitment at least to “consider seriously” the goal of halving global greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050. There was also a pledge of $60 billion to combat HIV and AIDS, with the aim of giving all victims access to treatment by 2010.

The G8, without surrendering their status as the world’s most powerful countries, also invited leaders of the strongest developing economies—Brazil, Mexico, India, China and South Africa—to join them in four initiatives: on climate change, safeguarding intellectual property, encouraging cross-border investment, and developing Africa. Africa was in the spotlight at the final day of meetings.

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