Japan sets 2020 emission targets

TOKYO: Japan yesterday unveiled plans for only marginally deeper greenhouse gas cuts over the coming decade than its current UN commitments, a step green groups say threatens to deal a blow to global climate talks.

The world's fifth-biggest greenhouse gas emitter has been under huge pressure from developing nations to opt for deep 2020 greenhouse gas reductions to ensure a strong outcome from talks for a new global climate pact at the end of the year.

But prime minister Taro Aso, with an election due within months, had to balance fighting climate change with the needs of industry and voters amid the nation's worst recession since World War II.