Jones joins Arnie for UN summit

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Carwyn Jones's debut engagement as first minister sees him in Copenhagen, and includes a reception for California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The event is also being attended by delegates and officials at the United Nations conference on climate change.

Mr Jones says Wales will do its bit to combat rising greenhouse gas emissions.

The Welsh Assembly Government has committed to cut emissions every year by 3% from 2011, but Mr Jones admitted there were obstacles to an agreement.

The reception which includes Mr Schwarzenegger, the Austrian-born film star turned politician, and other senior American officials is hosted by the US embassy in Copenhagen.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is known for his green credentials

Mr Jones said action had to be taken to protect the world from runaway climate change.

"We need to help move people away from the lives they live now, towards the lives they need to live in the future," he said.

"This is a challenge no country can avoid. I am determined that Wales will do its part - I am committed to this cause.

"We have made a commitment to cut annual emissions in areas we control by 3% a year from 2011 leading to an 80% reduction before 2050. We are backing this with £300 million of spending across the assembly government.

"I am a realist. I know these talks are a challenge and there is a huge mountain to climb, but climb it we must."

Mr Schwarzenegger, who became governor in 2003, signed a law in 2006 setting targets to reduce emissions by 25% by 2020 in California.