BASIC countries including China, India, Brazil and South Africa have urged developed country parties to the Kyoto Protocol to raise their emissions reduction ambitions in line with their scientific levels and historical responsibilities.

The four countries made the call in a joint statement released Tuesday at the conclusion of the 13th BASIC Ministerial Meeting on Climate Change in Beijing.

BASIC countries called upon parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol to protect the climate system "on the basis of equity and in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities."

The first commitment of the Kyoto Protocol, which was ratified in 1997 to stem pollution and global warming, is due to expire this year. The second commitment is expected to be signed during a UN climate change conference to be held later this month in Doha, Qatar.

Stressing the importance of an effective and legally binding second commitment period, BASIC countries urged developed country parties to the protocol to raise their level of ambition in their Quantified Emission Limitation and Reduction Objectives in Doha "with what is required by science and historical responsibilities."