BRUSSELS — European environment ministers said Tuesday they would cut overall carbon dioxide emissions 20% by 2020, adding that they were ready to go to 30% if other industrialized nations matched their efforts.
But the European Union's 27 nations still must agree what each should do to meet a 20% target for the entire bloc, with eastern European nations, Finland, Spain and Denmark calling on other countries within the bloc to share the burden.
The EU Executive Commission will now start drawing up more detailed plans on how that target will be meted out to allow some countries room to maneuver. This could see lower reductions for some nations, such as those of the former East bloc, to take into account their growing economies and efforts to clean up their heavily polluting industries. No penalties for failure to meet the target have been discussed.
German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel, who led the talks, said Berlin was prepared to go even further, noting that his parliament already had backed a 40% cut.
"There will be some countries like Germany that will see a steeper reduction in greenhouse gases," he said.
Gabriel said the European Union was facing a "historic decision" on climate change and all ministers were well aware of the importance of striking a deal, not least because their children were watching what they do.
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2007-02-20-eu-emissions-cuts_x.htm
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
