Christian Aid believes it is crucial that the upcoming G8 summit agrees to the principle of a 'stabilisation goal' for atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases, which would limit global warming to 2°C.

Carbon emissions in rich countries are still increasing, and this trend must be reversed rapidly and dramatically, says Christian Aid.

"If we want these countries to come on board and reduce their emissions we will have to pay for it," said Andrew Pendleton. "This is not aid; it is a payment to compensate them for the damage we have inflicted on the global environment. Developing countries must be allowed to develop economically and not penalised for our mistakes."

Christian Aid has also co-authored a report with Practical Action, Oxfam and Tearfund illustrating why a 2°C global average is the maximum people in developing countries will be able to survive. The report will be available on Monday.

In recent news, U.S. President George Bush has urged countries to agree on long-term goals for greenhouse gas emissions ahead of the G8 summit in Germany.

He said he would hold meetings bringing together the U.S. and 14 other major emitters to set targets by the end of 2008.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed the U.S. proposal, saying it was "common ground" for action. Germany is expected to call for cuts in emissions at the G8 summit.