The rich countries need to cut greenhouse gas emissions 95 per cent by 2050, 40 per cent by 2020. So says the Alliance Of Small Island States (AOSIS), which recently joined forces with the Group Of Least Developed Countries (G-LDCs) in demands for further commitment under the Climate Convention and Kyoto Protocol.

Many countries that have made commitments under the Kyoto agreement will have problems meeting them. For most countries this will only be possible by resorting to

The final agreement on the EU climate package retains the goal to reduce emissions by 20 per cent. Together with a 20-per-cent share of renewables and 20-per-cent energy savings, this creates the triple goal of 20-20-20 by 2020.