G-8 Leaders Agree to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions 80 percent by 2050

Global leaders meeting this week for the G-8 summit have agreed to make global warming a top priority, and target reducion of carbon dioxide emissions.

President Barack Obama and other world leaders this week convened at a G-8 summit to discuss common problems and propose solutions.

The G-8 countries include the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Russia. All agreed to aim reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 80 percent by 2050.

The goal is to prevent the Earth's atmosphere from warming by more than 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Scientists have warned a climate change above the 2 degree Celsius threshold would have a catastrophic impact on the planet.

The U.S. Congress is currently debating on a new energy policy that could codify the G-8 target for emissions reductions in law. 

Source:  CNN.com,  Obama: Leaders Will Work Together on Climate