EU promises sustainable plant fuel (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Paul Kirby
EU reporter, BBC News

Committing 27 EU states to slashing their carbon emissions was always going to be easier than following it through.

But the European Commission will try to make a significant step towards that target when it reveals its proposals on 23 January to raise the proportion of renewable energy consumption to 20% by 2020.

It still intends for one-tenth of Europe's energy to come from plants.

And, in response to negative reports on the effects of biofuels on the environment, officials have promised to come up with measures that will have a positive impact on carbon emissions.

'Demanding criteria'

Commission spokesman Ferran Tarradellas says the criteria will be "very demanding" and they will have four aims:

* to reduce CO2 emissions

* to give alternatives to farmers

* to create fuel independence - currently the EU is dependent on foreign supplies for 90% of its transport fuels

* where imports are needed, to create a demand and a labour force in developing countries that could benefit everyone
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7187606.stm

[GliderGuider]

1. I'm glad to see them paying attention to the issues.

As long as they are committed to reducing the damage of biofuels and have people mandated to track the issues, there is a strong possibility they will figure out just what a non-starter the idea is. when they start publishing negative reports and recommendations with the imprimatur of the EU, the problems are likely to get a little more attention from governments and regulators in other countries (hint, hint).

[AlecBGreen]

2. about time

Palm oil plantations in Indonesia = chopping down the rainforest to save European egos.

[patch1234]

3. meaningless greenwash .n/t