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EU GREENHOUSE GAS DEAL Too Much Hot Air: Not Enough Action
17 June 1998
The draft deal would set the following targets for EU countries:
Country % Change
1990-2010
Luxembourg -28
Denmark -21
Germany -21
Austria -13
UK -12.5
Belgium - 7.5
Italy - 6.5
Netherlands - 6
France 0
FInland 0
Sweden + 4
Ireland +13
Spain +15
Greece +25
Portugal +27
The deal represents a compromise between the poorer countries of Southern Europe,whose greenhouse gas emissions will be allowed to rise, and the richer countries of the North who will have to make cuts above the 8% average figure.
Commenting, Dr Pad Green, FOE's Senior Energy Campaigner said:
“This deal is the product of a major row between EU nations, most of whom have fought hard to avoid any radical green commitments. There has been too much hot air and not enough action. Even the 8% EU target agreed at Kyoto cannot be achieved without tough action to reform the Common Agricultural Policy as well as energy and transport policy across Europe. The EU has a long way to go before it can plausibly claim to be giving a green lead to the rest of the world.”
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jul 2008
