China targets cuts in greenhouse gases

CHINA, the biggest producer of greenhouse gases, set its first numerical target to slow their growth a day after the US offered its own goal, giving impetus to next month’s global climate-protection talks.

China will cut output of carbon dioxide gas per unit of gross domestic product by 40% to 45% by 2020 from 2005 levels, according to a statement yesterday in Beijing from the State Council, or cabinet. The US, the second-largest air polluter, said it will bring to the talks an offer to directly reduce emissions by about 17% for the same period.

The moves “can unlock two of the last doors to a comprehensive agreement” to curb global-warming gases, Yvo de Boer, the top UN climate official, said yesterday in a statement. The European Commission welcomed the goals while urging both nations to go further, according to a draft statement today.