Europe’s ‘2020 vision’ to lead climate change battle
New Scientist is reporting on Europe’s ‘2020 vision’ to lead climate change battle.
A long-term strategy on energy policy, aimed at leading the world in the fight against global warming, was agreed by European Union heads of state on Friday.
The deal sets binding targets for slashing greenhouse gas emissions, developing renewable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency and using biofuels. It also lays down a challenge to the US and other major industrialised nations to follow suit.
The key points are:
- At least 20% of energy used in the EU will come from renewable sources by 2020
- At least 10% of the fuels used in transport will be biofuels by 2020
- EU emissions will be reduced to 20% below 1990 levels by 2020
It’s an improvement over Europe’s Kyoto commitments but it’s probably not enough. We have to pull together to sever the connection between our energy use and fossil fuels, and we need to slash carbon emissions right down to the bone. Still it’s better than most other countries are doing and, by showing genuine leadership, the EU is paving the way to a more sustainable future for us all. European green energy companies stand to be the winners in this. — DS
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