Post-Copenhagen Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Pledges

According to the BBC, 55 countries who together produce 78 percent of the world's greenhouse gases from fossil fuels have sent in pledges for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions as part of the agreement in Copenhagen. It is reported that most of them reiterate the pledges made before the Copenhagen summit, but some are weaker.  Before Copenhagen, President Obama had pledged a cut of 17% from 2005 levels by 2020.  But the US's current submission pedges a cut "in the range of 17%, in conformity with anticipated US energy and climate legislation, recognising that the final target will be reported to the Secretariat in light of enacted legislation".  Canada has set new targets that are in line with the US.  Prior to Copenhagen, Canada's objective was 20% over 2005 levels by 2020.  Canada's new objective is 17% from 2006 levels by 2020, which corresponds to the numbers in the Waxman-Markey bill currently being considered by the US Senate.  The European Union pledged to reduce GHG emissions by 20 percent by 2020 from 1990 levels. The EU had pledged to increase its target to 30 percent if other developed nations took comparable actions.  China has reaffirmed that its 2020 voluntary target is a reduction of 40-45% in carbon intensity.  India only says it will "endeavour" to reduce its emissions intensity by 2020.  The UN has said that the pledged GHG reductions are not enough to keep global warming below 2^o C, but sees that for the first time there is an agreed objective as positive.  The next climate conference is planned for Mexico City at the end of the year.