The British government has proposed legally binding targets for reducing carbon emissions, becoming the first country to outline a legal framework for confronting global warming.

If approved by parliament, the bill introduced Tuesday would bind the government to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 26 to 32 percent by 2020, and 60 percent by 2050.

Officials say failure to meet interim targets could land the government in court.

Tony Blair (r) speaks to Environment Secretary David Miliband during a meeting to outline the Government's blueprint for tackling climate change, 13 Mar 2007

Prime Minister Tony Blair told reporters the proposed legislation is a revolutionary step that "sets an example for the rest of the world."

European Union leaders last week agreed to cut carbon emissions from vehicles and factories by at least 20 percent over the next 13 years.

The EU plan calls for renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric, solar and wind power, to replace heavily polluting fossil fuels.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.