New Zealand scientists say stronger commitments to climate change are needed if global warming is to be kept below 2 degrees Celsius.
At a UN climate conference in Copenhagen in December, 130 countries pledged to reduce their carbon emissions to ensure warming would stay below 2 degrees this century.
But climate change analysts have found that even under the most optimistic circumstances, the pledged reductions will probably still raise global temperatures to at least 3 degrees Celsius in that time.
Victoria University's climate research institute says emission reduction goals need to become more stringent if the original target is to be realised.
Senior researcher Dr Andy Reisinger says New Zealand can expect more drought and flooding in most parts of the country if targets are not increased soon.
