South Africa demands 75% UK emissions cut by 2020

South Africa this week told the UN that it expects the UK to cut carbon emissions 75% by 2020.

This is more than double the UK’s current target of a 34% reduction by 2020.

Together with China and India, South Africa also demanded $200 billion a year from rich world countries to combat global warming.

The three countries - some of the world’s biggest greenhouse gas emitters - told the UN they need the money to invest in solar power, wind turbines, and other clean technologies.

The $200 billion they’re looking for is around 0.5% of rich nations’ economic output, and is equivalent to what industrialised countries already donate to developing countries in aid.

In addition, China said industrialised nations should set an emissions reduction target of 40% by 2020, double what the EU is currently committed to.

Despite the calls for industrialised nations to reduce emissions, China and India are only willing to accept emissions curbs.

Curbs mean that emissions can continue to increase with economic growth, but at a lower rate than they would have increased if improvements were’t being made.