Climate
The leaders of the G8 made a breakthrough on climate change when they agreed to adopt a goal of at least halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, according to a draft communique. The communique also said mid-term goals would be needed to hit the shared target for 2050, but that it would be up to individual countries to adopt them. Last year the G8 only agreed to “seriously consider” a cut of 50% by 2050. The signing of the statement means that attention now shifts to the UN-led climate change talks that are set to conclude in Copenhagen in December 2009. These talks are due to set a framework for a deal to replace the Kyoto protocol when it expires in 2012.
Guardian 8th July 2008 more >>
Their offer will be taken on Wednesday to eight big developing countries – including China and India – with the aim of getting them to back the 2050 targets in return for promises of cash and technology.
FT 8th July 2008 more >>
India
The White House said time was running short to ratify a landmark US-India civilian nuclear agreement during US President George W. Bush’s term, which ends in January. Speaking on the eve of Bush’s talks here with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, spokeswoman Dana Perino said the US Congress had a heavy workload and “a limited number of legislative days.”
AFX 8th July 2008 more >>
North Korea
The next round of six-country talks on ending North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme will begin on Thursday in Beijing, South Korea’s envoy to the discussions told local reporters on Tuesday.
AFX 8th July 2008 more >>
BBC 8th July 2008 more >>
Japan’s decision to place the spread of nuclear weapons technologies on the agenda of the Group of Eight summit reflects, in significant part, Tokyo’s long- standing disquiet about developments in nearby North Korea. The isolated dictatorship has missiles easily capable of reaching Japan, and tested a nuclear weapon in October 2006.
FT 6th July 2008 more >>
Israel
Syria has told the UN that Israel is burying nuclear waste on the Golan Heights.
Mathaba 7th July 2008 more >>
Iran
The Dutch government has enacted legislation barring Iranian nationals from access to courses and facilities related to nuclear technology.
Nature 7th July 2008 more >>
A top European diplomat said he hopes to reply soon to Iran’s letter last week spelling out its reaction to an international proposal for the Shiite Muslim nation’s controversial nuclear program.
CNN 7th July 2008 more >>
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Monday discussed progress on a nuclear power plant Russia is building in Iran, a statement from Putin’s office said.
Interactive Investor 7th July 2008 more >>
Germany
German chancellor Angela Merkel reiterated there will be no change to the federal government’s stance on the country’s nuclear energy policies before the next parliamentary elections scheduled for autumn 2009, a spokesman said.
Interactive Investor 7th July 2008 more >>
