Australia Joins Europe in Kyoto Extension; New Zealand Opts Out
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Australia plans to renew its binding pledge to reduce emissions under the Kyoto treaty, breaking ranks with neighboring New Zealand and further aligning itself with the European Union.
Australia is also prepared to raise its 2020 target for cutting emissions from 5 percent to as much as 15 percent or 25 percent should other countries take similar steps, Climate Change Minister Greg Combet said at the Carbon Expo in Melbourne. More important than extending Kyoto is reaching a new climate deal that includes the U.S. and China, he said. New Zealand said today it won’t extend its Kyoto pledge.