CHANTILLY, Va. -- The Bush administration has softened its skeptical stance on the threat of global warming.

Calling for a combined strategy of research and action, Environmental Quality Council Chairman Michael DeLand yesterday told representatives from 89 nations that the United States will by the turn of the century stabilize its emissions of so-called "greenhouse gases."

The United States has stressed the need for more research before making commitments to massively reduce pollutants, which scientists fear could make Earth warmer and alter climates.