In July 2009,  the Major Economies Forum (MEF) leaders committed to
restrict global warming to 2 degrees Centigrade (2°C) and have agreed
to halve emissions by 2050 to achieve this target.

• Can the 2°C target actually be achieved?

• Is the medium-term 2050 target for emissions reductions consistent with the long-term temperature goal of +2°C?

A column by Carlo Carraro and Emanuele Massetti (CMCC)
on VoxEU.org says that the 2°C target set by G8 leaders is both politically and
technologically unrealistic. It argues they must adopt more realistic
targets and long-term commitments to adaptation plans.