US carbon emissions to rise 23 percent over UN benchmark: IEA

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2008

PARIS (AFP) — US emissions of greenhouse gases are poised to rise by nearly a quarter over a key UN benchmark by 2025, the date set by President George W. Bush for stabilising this pollution, an International Energy Agency (IEA) expert said on Friday.

The benchmark of 1990 is a closely watched -- and politically sensitive -- measure of commitment for tackling global warming.

"With current policies, the greenhouse-gas emissions of the US will increase by 18 percent between 2005 and 2025," IEA chief economist Fathi Birol told AFP.

"If you compare this with 1990 levels, by 2025 there will be plus 38 percent.

He added: "If the (newly announced) policies and measures -- energy efficency, renewables, all the policies -- are implemented, you can take off...