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South Africa to cut carbon by 34% South Africa to cut carbon by 34%
(about 5 hours later)
South Africa has committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 34% by 2020, but says it will need financial aid from developed countries to do so.South Africa has committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 34% by 2020, but says it will need financial aid from developed countries to do so.
The announcement was made as the world climate talks started in Copenhagen.The announcement was made as the world climate talks started in Copenhagen.
Environmental group Greenpeace said the announcement had made South Africa "one of the stars of the negotiations".Environmental group Greenpeace said the announcement had made South Africa "one of the stars of the negotiations".
The country's greenhouse gases come mostly from the coal-burning power stations. The government says it is looking at other energy sources.The country's greenhouse gases come mostly from the coal-burning power stations. The government says it is looking at other energy sources.

COPENHAGEN LATEST

  • Summit venue is sealed off as police and demonstrators clash outside
  • African countries soften their demands for climate finance from rich developed nations
  • Danish environment minister Connie Hedegaard resigns as president of the summit to be replaced by Danish PM
  • UN chief Ban Ki-moon suggests climate change deal might not include a figure on long-term financial aid for developing countries
Updated: 16:40 GMT, 16 December

COPENHAGEN LATEST

  • Talks delayed for nine hours due to wrangles over conference text
  • Japan offers $5bn a year to poor nations if a deal is reached
  • Australia, France, Japan, Norway, the UK and US collectively commit $3.5bn over three years to combating deforestation
  • Ethiopia, on behalf of African Union, endorses the G8 and EU target for maximum temperature rise of 2C
Updated: 22:03 GMT, 16 December
South Africa said it would lower its carbon emissions to 34% below current expected levels by 2020 and about 42% below current trends by 2025.South Africa said it would lower its carbon emissions to 34% below current expected levels by 2020 and about 42% below current trends by 2025.
"This undertaking is conditional on firstly a fair, ambitious and effective agreement," a South African government statement said."This undertaking is conditional on firstly a fair, ambitious and effective agreement," a South African government statement said.
"And secondly, the provision of support from the international community, and in particular finance, technology and support.""And secondly, the provision of support from the international community, and in particular finance, technology and support."
The government said developing countries such as South Africa would need financial help from developed economies, with some of the aid being used to acquire the technology needed to reach its target.The government said developing countries such as South Africa would need financial help from developed economies, with some of the aid being used to acquire the technology needed to reach its target.
The country's chief climate negotiator Alf Wills told Reuters the offer was the first time South Africa had given a specific target for reducing its carbon footprint.The country's chief climate negotiator Alf Wills told Reuters the offer was the first time South Africa had given a specific target for reducing its carbon footprint.
AFRICA HAVE YOUR SAYClimate change is a Western problem and at such a Western solution should be foundLaura Golakeh, Monrovia Send us your commentsAFRICA HAVE YOUR SAYClimate change is a Western problem and at such a Western solution should be foundLaura Golakeh, Monrovia Send us your comments
The government said international finance has helped South Africa to build new solar and wind-powered plants.The government said international finance has helped South Africa to build new solar and wind-powered plants.
But construction has already begun on what is believed to be the biggest coal-burning power plant in the country.But construction has already begun on what is believed to be the biggest coal-burning power plant in the country.
The plant is aimed at meeting the country's increasing energy needs and avoiding a repeat of last year's rolling blackouts, which cost the country millions of dollars.The plant is aimed at meeting the country's increasing energy needs and avoiding a repeat of last year's rolling blackouts, which cost the country millions of dollars.