The leaders of the G8, currently gathered in Germany, have reached a compromise on the issue of climate change. While the original German proposal failed to get support, particularly from US president George W. Bush, chancellor Angela Merkel is positive about the compromise.

The agreed text does not set a hard target, as earlier texts did, but does mention the goal of cutting CO₂ emissions 50% by 2050. The G8 members have agreed to take “strong and early action”, while the 50% goal will “be given serious consideration”.

The deal has generally been received positively. And despite the lack of commitment to firm cuts has raised hopes for the results of more binding negotiations expected in the near future.

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