Six developing countries pledged new commitments for significantly reducing carbon emissions during a meeting in the Maldives, in July.

The announcements follow the landmark decision made by the Maldives last year to go carbon-neutral by 2020. Their commitment was reaffirmed, as was that of Costa Rica, who pledged a target of reaching carbon neutrality by 2021.

Samoa has now set the same target for 2020, while Ethiopia aims to be carbon neutral by 2025, by switching to renewables and undertaking a vast reforestation scheme. The Marshall Islands – that declared a state of emergency in 2008 due to oil price rises – pledged to cut its CO2 emissions 40% by 2020, from 2009 levels. Antigua and Barbuda will cut emissions 25% by 2020, from 1990 levels.

At the close of the meeting, Maldivian President, Mohamed Nasheed, praised the leadership of his fellow developing countries, saying: “When those with the least start doing the most, it shows that everyone’s ambitions can be raised.”

Contact: www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv