Tuesday 31 May 2011

UK looks isolated after G8 countries say no to carbon cuts

Russia, Japan and Canada are reported to have counted themselves out of a second round of carbon cuts under the Kyoto Protocol, damaging the UK's recent moves toward a low carbon future.

According to their diplomats, the countries who have removed themselves argue that the Kyoto format doesn't require developing countries to make targeted emission cuts.

America has also confirmed they would not be joining an updated Kyoto Protocol.

The news comes after the UK had recently announced plans for bigger reductions in emissions. However, Energy Secretary Chris Huhne said there would be a review in 2014, which critics of the plans say could be Britain's get-out clause.