WideWorld Bulletin 13

News in brief

Copenhagen update

The Chinese prime minister has confirmed that he will attend the approaching Copenhagen climate talks. When Jiabao announced China's targets to cut carbon emissions by 40-45% by 2020 (relative to 2005 levels).

The nation's high rate of economic growth means that emissions will continue to rise for at least 10 years, and the target will only aim to slow emissions at this stage.

Walking holidays hit ethiopia

A Walking company organising holidays in which walkers stay with locals has opened a route in Ethiopia.

Village Ways, which already organises walks in the Indian Himalayas, is now taking tourists to Ethiopia. Walking from village to village, trekkers will stay with locals in 'tukul' roundhouses, immersing themselves in the village culture of the Ethiopian highlands.

For more information on Village Ways: www.villageways.com

Photo sparks debate on obese travellers

A photo that has been posted on an aviation blog has highlighted the difficulties airlines face when dealing with passengers who cannot fit into their seats.

The photograph shows the man spilling over his allocated seat on the American Airlines plane without a seatbelt, raising questions as to whether health and safety was breached in this case. A spokesperson for American Airlines said: "American Airlines' primary concern is for the safety and comfort of its passengers and crews and consequently passengers are advised to book two seats if they are concerned they will require them."

In April United Airlines announced it was cracking down on plus-size passengers and planned to charge them for a second ticket or an upgrade, regardless of whether there was an empty seat next to them.

Speed skater loses doping appeal

German skater Claudia Pechstein has been given a two year ban for blood doping, and will miss the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. The news was announced this week, following a trial.

Pechstein, a five time Olympic speed skating champion, was accused of blood doping (artificially raising the number of red blood cells) following tests. The athlete continues to deny doping.