China to announce major move on emissions

The Chinese government is expected to announce plans today to take a global leadership stance on tackling climate change.

UN officials say Chinese President Hu Jintao will announce a major push to reduce Chinese emissions at the UN climate change summit in New York today.

The Taoiseach Brian Cowen is among more than 100 heads of state attending the summit, which is being hosted by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

The meeting has been arranged to discuss progress on reducing emissions ahead of crucial international negotiations in Copenhagen later this year.