The world’s 2.6 billion people living on less than US$2 a day have contributed least to global emissions. But they are "paying a high price for the actions of others," said Claes Johansson of the UN Development Programme.
The UN agency recommends developed and developing nations cut emissions by 50% overall by 2050, "this gives us a 50-50 chance of avoiding dangerous climate change so this is an absolute minimum required reduction in emissions," Johanssen was quoted as saying.
But India criticised the report for recommending developing countries cut greenhouse-gas emissions to 20% below 1990 levels by 2050.
"Its recommendations look egalitarian, but they are not," said Montek Singh Ahluwalia, deputy chairman of India’s Planning Commission. "This is the first time I have seen a United Nations report talk of developing nations to take up commitments. I challenge the research team to supplement their research."
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