Japan rejects Kyoto extension

In a surprisingly brazen move, Japan has categorically refused to extend the Kyoto protocol, the treaty that committed the world’s richest nations to lower greenhouse gas emissions by 5 per cent of 1990 levels by 2012. Jun Amira, a Japanese government official, made the announcement at an open session of global climate change talks in Cancun. "Japan will not inscribe its target under the Kyoto protocol on any conditions or under any circumstances," Amira said. The statement came as a surprise to other delegates and has prompted speculation the treaty may not be extended past 2012.

The Guardian