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Germany’s Merkel edges closer to Macron on 2050 climate plan

BERLIN (AP) — German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she would like to join other European countries in aiming to eliminate virtually all greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, but the goal needs to be achievable.

Merkel initially refused to join the initiative put forward last week by French President Emmanuel Macron and eight other EU countries, despite domestic pressure to do so.

Merkel said at an international climate change meeting in Berlin on Tuesday that the idea will be put on her Cabinet’s agenda and “the discussion is not about whether we can achieve it, but about how we can achieve it.”

She added that “if we can find a sensible answer, then we can join the initiative.”