Obama administration agrees that industrialized nations should reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Obama administration agrees on greenhouse gas cuts

L’AQUILA, Italy — The Obama administration says it agrees that industrialized nations should sharply reduce their greenhouse gas emissions over the next four decades.

White House officials said Wednesday that the administration supports a goal of an 80 percent greenhouse gas reduction from industrialized nations by 2050. It would be part of a worldwide goal of a 50 percent cut in all such gases, believed to cause global warming.

White House economics adviser Mike Froman said the non-binding language will be included in agreements embraced by the G-8 nations meeting in Italy.

He said President Barack Obama supports the targets. Some opponents say such sharp reductions would hamper businesses and industries.