EU Agreed to Binding Cuts in Carbon Emissions

Feb. 20 -- European countries have approved a binding accord to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent by 2020. The environmental ministers are also pressing for a global reduction in CO2 emissions of 30 percent.

According to Germany’s Environmental Minister, Sigmar Gabriel, a 40 percent cut in carbon emissions may be attainable by Germany.

The cuts were met with mixed reaction by environmental groups who want EU countries to enforce a more stringent 30 percent reduction.

Mahi Sideridou of Greenpeace said: "We happily welcome the 30 per cent emission cut proposed for the EU and for developed countries for 2020. Ministers have listened to the science and made a leap forward in addressing the climate crisis. But to then suggest a meager 20 per cent unilateral EU emissions cut, while admitting this is inadequate and that a 30 per cent cut will be necessary is a bizarre discrepancy."

David Miliband, the Environment Secretary, said: "The unilateral commitment to cut EU greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent by 2020 - the first of its kind - shows we're willing to take concrete action on an issue that citizens care about.

"Action in the EU alone is not enough. Our commitment to a 30 per cent cut in emissions as part of a global agreement strengthens the EU's ability to lead the debate at the G8 and UN climate change talks and to secure an ambitious outcome."

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The Independent