European Union Takes Action On Climate And Energy, But Critics Call It Modest, Ineffective
October 25, 2014
John Hopton for redOrbit.com Your Universe Online
After a period of intense negotiations, leaders from the 28 member states of the European Union (EU) have reached a deal to cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve the use of renewable energy.
Politicians came to a binding decision to cut emissions up to 40 percent by 2030 compared with 1990 levels, and also agreed to boost the use of renewable energy to 27 percent in the total energy mix within 15 years, and to increase energy efficiency by another 27 percent from its current level.
The President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, tweeted that the deal was the Worlds most ambitious, cost-effective and fair, but critics say it does not go far enough and leaves future generations with too much to do.
The compromise had to take into account concerns of individual member states, and the UK had shown reluctance to adopt nationally binding targets for renewables such as wind, hydroelectric and solar power, as it envisions shale gas and nuclear energy as alternatives to oil and gas imports. There were also fiscal concerns that heavy reductions would result in economic stagnation, particularly from Eastern European countries who still depend heavily on fossil fuels such as coal.
Van Rompuy was keen to point out that the goals set by the deal would be reached in a spirit of unity and support between European nations, adding that some of the less wealthy EU members would receive assistance, including additional funds, in order to reach the targets. Giving a less obvious example, he said that, In order to reach its own target, a country for instance Denmark which already has double-glazing everywhere can decide, instead of going for triple-glazing, rather to help finance a double-glazing project elsewhere in Europe. That way, it can get more emissions-saving value for its money.
The UN Climate Change Conference in Paris in December 2015 provides an opportunity to build on what the EU has achieved, but environmentalists are concerned the pace of change is too slow, making it impossible for future politicians to achieve the levels needed to make a difference.
Joris den Blanken of Greenpeace called the deal a very modest package, in a quote from Associated Press, adding that, It will mean a slowdown in clean energy development in Europe.
Oxfams Natalia Alonso told the BBC News reporter Roger Harrabinfell that the agreement fell far too short, while the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), a coalition of environmental organizations, called it desperately ineffective, adding that, With this abysmal result, Europes leaders have failed their citizens and failed the world.
See original here:
European Union Takes Action On Climate And Energy, But Critics Call It Modest, Ineffective