India looks likely to announce a reduction carbon intensity by 24% by 2020 compared to the 2005 levels. That is a 24% less carbon emitted per megajoule of energy produced.

China’s commitment to cut the intensity of its carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by 40-45 per cent by 2020.

Both of these figures whilst impressive at first glance do not mean that carbon emissions will necessarily fall because both of these nations are developing and the growth in industrialisation, standard of living and population will offset the gains made by making energy production more efficient.

In spite of this, it makes Australia's target of 5% look pretty pathetic.