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New EU greenhouse gas figures show countries are flagging on tackling climate change
18 June 2008
The EU is not on track to meet its targets for tackling climate change, Friends of the Earth said today as The European Environment Agency published the latest greenhouse gas emission figures for Europe.
The original 15 members of the EU are committed under the Kyoto protocol to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 8 per cent on 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012 but the latest figures €" for 2006 €" show they have only fallen by 2.7 per cent since the base year.
Furthermore, all 27 current EU nations have agreed to a 20 per cent cut in emissions by 2020 but have only reduced their overall greenhouse gas emissions by 7.7 per cent since 1990 €" less than half of the target.
Friends of the Earth's climate campaigner Martyn Williams said:
'European greenhouse gas emissions are not falling fast enough. The EU must strengthen its green policies if it to meet its targets for tackling climate change and play a leading role in developing a low-carbon future.
'This must include stronger fuel efficiency targets for new cars sold in Europe and standing up to UK pressure to weaken the EU's renewable energy target. We need far greater urgency in weaning ourselves off our fossil fuel addiction.'
Commenting on the UK fall in greenhouse gas emissions €" a 16 per cent cut since 1990, Martyn Williams said:
'The UK is on course to meet its Kyoto target €" but this is largely because we moved away from coal power stations to gas under the last Conservative administration.
'Since 1997 UK carbon dioxide emissions have not fallen €" despite repeated promises of significant cuts. The Government must stop dithering and take urgent action now.'
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jul 2008
