G8 leaders agree to limit average global temperature increase

G8 leaders agreed to a non-binding goal of keeping the world's average temperature from rising more than 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). According to scientists, if met, this goal would reduce but not eliminate climate change risks. The G8 leaders also agreed to a goal of industrialized countries reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050 as part of an earlier worldwide goal to achieve a 50 percent cut in overall greenhouse gases from all countries by 2050. Developing countries, however, including India and China, have not yet agreed to contribute to the goal of a 50% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050, saying that industrialized countries should take stronger action in the near term and support developing countries with financing and technology. President Obama, who has pledged U.S. leadership in the fight against climate change, chairs a meeting of the world's top greenhouse gas emitters at the G8 summit in Italy.