US President Barack Obama has decided to travel to Copenhagen for the UN-sponsored climate change conference next month, the White House has confirmed.

The White House said that he would use a visit on 9 December to announce that the US will to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 17% by 2020. It said that targets also include a 30% reduction in emissions by 2025 from 2005 level and 42% by 2030.

In a statement the White House said called Mr Obama's decision 'a sign of his continuing commitment and leadership to find a global solution to the global threat of climate change, and to lay the foundation for a new, sustainable and prosperous clean energy future'.

The White House statement said: 'In light of the President's goal to reduce emissions 83% by 2050, the expected pathway set forth in this pending legislation would entail a 30% reduction below 2005 levels in 2025 and a 42% reduction below 2005 in 2030.'

A pledge to reduce emissions by 17% would put the US offer in line with the figure that was approved by the House of Representatives earlier this year. The US Senate is debating a 20% cut. The White House said these targets were 'in line with current legislation in both chambers of Congress and demonstrates a significant contribution to a problem that the U.S. has neglected for too long.'

'With less than two weeks to go until the beginning of the Copenhagen conference, it is essential that the countries of the world, led by the major economies, do what it takes to produce a strong, operational agreement that will both launch us on a concerted effort to combat climate change and serve as a stepping stone to a legally binding treaty.'

'The President is working closely with Congress to pass energy and climate legislation as soon as possible.'

UK response

A spokesperson at Department of Energy and Climate Change said:

'We welcome President Obama's decision to attend Copenhagen and are sure his presence will add further momentum towards getting the ambitious, fair and binding deal that the world needs.'

'Gordon Brown was the first leader to announce that he would go to Copenhagen , arguing - before the Danish government had proposed that heads of government attend - that only leaders could make the major decisions required, both domestically (to put their countries on a low carbon growth path) and internationally, to bring about a deal. Today's US announcement, on emissions reduction and on the President's visit, is an important signal.'

'The US putting a number on the table is crucial for success at Copenhagen. President Obama's announcement that the US will reduce emissions by 17% below 2005 levels by 2020 - and cut emissions significantly by 2025 and 2030 - represents a welcome and marked improvement on previous offers demonstrating how far the administration has come over the past year.'

Related links

President to Attend Copenhagen Climate Talks, Whitehouse

Barack Obama to attend Copenhagen climate summit, Guardian 25 November 2009

Comment: Obama at Copenhagen - nothing more than a photo opportunity, Times Online 26 November 2009

Obama to attend summit but cuts plan disappoints, Financial Times 26 November 2009

Obama Will Promise U.S. Carbon Cuts in Copenhagen, Time 20 November 2009