Wednesday, 16 May 2012
EU has almost reached 2020 emissions goals without much effort
13 September 2010
According to the European Environment Agency's (EEA) new estimates, EU-27 and EU-15 greenhouse gas emissions both decreased by 6.9 % in 2009 compared to 2008. Based on these estimates, the EU-27’s 2009 emissions stand approximately 17.3 % below the 1990 level and therefore very close to the bloc’s target of cutting emissions 20% by 2020. The EU-15 stands 12.9 % below the base-year level, exceeding its Kyoto commitment to an 8 % reduction for the first time.
Jason Anderson, head of EU climate and Energy Policy at WWF EPO, commented, "The idea of Europe sticking to a 20% for 2020 cut is farcical. A 30% domestic cut as part of a 40% overall obligation would represent reductions in line with what is needed to avoid dangerous climate change, with huge benefits to the European population and economy.
"Saying the recession is responsible for the cut ignores a basic truth: European emissions dropped for several years even prior to the recession, which hit in a period when climate policies will have had an even increasing effect. A resurgent economy is increasingly going to grow into - and because of - new, low-carbon industries, not the polluters of the past."
According to the European Environment Agency's (EEA) new estimates, EU-27 and EU-15 greenhouse gas emissions both decreased by 6.9% in 2009 compared to 2008. Based on these estimates, the EU-27's 2009 emissions stand approximately 17.3% below the 1990 level and therefore very close to the bloc's target of cutting emissions 20% by 2020. The EU-15 stands 12.9% below the base-year level, exceeding its Kyoto commitment to an 8% reduction for the first time. Jason Anderson, head of EU climate and Energy Policy at CAN Europe member organisation WWF EPO, commented, "The idea of Europe sticking to a 20% for 2020 cut is farcical."Anderson continued, "A 30% domestic cut as part of a 40% overall obligation would represent reductions in line with what is needed to avoid dangerous climate change, with huge benefits to the European population and economy.
"Saying the recession is responsible for the cut ignores a basic truth: European emissions dropped for several years even prior to the recession, which hit in a period when climate policies will have had an even increasing effect. A resurgent economy is increasingly going to grow into - and because of - new, low-carbon industries, not the polluters of the past."
