German govt backs measures to battle climate change

MESEBERG, Germany, Aug 23 (Reuters) German Chancellor Angela Merkel's ruling coalition today agreed a package of energy saving measures aimed at helping in the battle against climate change.

The package was approved at a special two-day cabinet meeting in Meseberg near Berlin marking the start of the second half of the government's term in office, Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel told reporters.

The government wants to reduce emissions of climate-changing carbon dioxide (CO2) from fossil fuel burning by targeting public and private buildings, transport and households.

The measures were the result of intensive negotiations between conservative Economy Minister Michael Glos and Gabriel, a Social Democrat.

Gabriel has called the package a ''quantum leap'' which would help reduce CO2 emissions by 36 per cent by 2020 compared with their level in 1990.

Merkel and Vice Chancellor Franz Muentefering are due to brief on the outcome of the cabinet meeting tomorrow at 1800 hrs IST.

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