Over 50 nations set climate goals after Copenhagen

More than 50 nations including major greenhouse gas emitters have outlined plans for fighting climate change under a January 31 deadline set in December's low-ambition 'Copenhagen Accord'.

The countries, accounting for more than two-thirds of world greenhouse gas emissions and led by China and the United States, have mostly reiterated existing goals for curbing emissions after the summit of more than 190 nations in the Danish capital.

Most have formally asked to be "associated" with the accord, by a January 31 deadline. China and India, however, have stressed most allegiance to the 1992 UN Climate Convention.

The accord seeks to limit a rise in global temperatures to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and sets a goal of $100 billion a year in aid for developing nations from 2020 to help confront climate change.

The United Nations says Sunday's deadline is flexible.

Following are details of national plans, compiled by Reuters. Each country's percentage of world emissions is given in brackets, based on US Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center data of emissions from fossil fuels and cement production: 

China (22%), India (6%), South Africa (1%), Brazil (1%) — Known as the BASIC group. India's environment minister Jairam Ramesh said in a January 28 letter to Denmark''s government that BASIC ministers "underscored their support to the 'Copenhagen Accord' at a January 24 meeting. The five also challenged donors to deliver on promises of aid.

— China reiterated in a January 28 letter it would endeavour to cut the amount of carbon produced per unit of economic output by 40 to 45% below projected growth levels by 2020 from 2005. This "carbon intensity" goal would let emissions keep rising, but more slowly than economic growth. The letter stressed the U.N. Convention, without mentioning association with Copenhagen.

— India said on January 31 it would endeavour to reduce its carbon emission intensity by 20 to 25% by 2020 in comparison to the 2005 level. The letter did not mention association with the Copenhagen Accord.

— South Africa offered on December 6 to slow the growth of its emissions by 34 percent below projected levels by 2020, conditional on a broad global deal and aid.

— Brazil reaffirmed on December 28 a goal announced before Copenhagen of reducing emissions by 36-39% below projected levels by 2020. At the most ambitious end of the range, it said emissions would fall by 20% from 2005 levels, back to 1994 levels.

United States (18%) - US climate envoy Todd Stern said on January 28 the country would aim to cut emissions by about 17% by 2020, from 2005 levels, confirming a goal set by the White House last year. The target, 4% below 1990 levels, may be harder to achieve after the Democrats lost a Senate seat.

European Union (15) - Reiterated on January 27 an offer of a unilateral goal for the 27-nation group of a 20% emissions cut by 2020, from 1990 levels, and 30% if other nations deepened their reductions.

Japan (4%) - Japan said on January 26 it was reiterating an offer to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25% below 1990 levels by 2020 on condition other emitters led by China and the United States agreed an ambitious deal.

Australia (1%) - Australia reaffirmed its goal of a 5 to 25% emissions cut below 2000 levels, corresponding to 3-23% under 1990, the government said on January 27. A decision to move beyond a unilateral 5 percent would not happen until the "level of global ambition becomes sufficiently clear."

Other emitters:

South Korea - Reiterated a plan to slow greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent below business-as-usual levels by 2020.

New Zealand - Joined the accord, reiterating on February 1 a conditional target of a cut in emissions of 10 to 20% by 2020 from 1990 levels.

Norway - Reiterated on January 28 a unilateral promise to cut emissions by 30% below 1990 levels by 2020, and by 40% if other nations set tougher goals.

Singapore - Restated plans to cut emissions by 7-11% below business-as-usual levels by 2020 on January 11. It would expand the offer to a 16% cut "when a global agreement on climate change is reached".

Mali - Said on January 22 it wanted to be associated.

Cuba - Wrote to express opposition to the accord.

The US Climate Action Network also posted links to the UN website of letters expressing support from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Costa Rica, Macedonia, Madagascar, The Maldives, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Peru, The Philippines, Samoa, South Korea, Trinidad and Tobago.