Enigin Update - EU Emission Reduction Target Battle
THERE was disappointment yesterday after the failure of the EU Environmental Council to reach an agreement on emission reduction targets from 20 percent to 30 percent by 2020.
Chris Huhne, UK Energy and Climate Change Secretary, said after the meeting, “I’m deeply disappointed that the only country in the EU that could not accept a good compromise on how we can move Europe to a low carbon economy was Poland.
"It's a dark day for Europe's leading role in tackling climate change but the UK together with its European colleagues will continue to make the economic case for tighter EU carbon targets so that we can make the most of the future green economy.
"Delay and blockage is a recipe for increased costs and missed opportunities," he concluded.
With the exception of Poland, EU member states realise the benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, environmentally but also economically. Energy efficiency is the leading tool to reduce emissions, secure energy supplies, save resources and energy costs.
Enigin plc's energy efficiency solutions are helping many governmental organisations and businesses to reduce their emissions through lowering energy demand and bills. Through Enigin plc's network of Enigin Distributors these solutions are available across Europe and globally.
Before the meeting the UK, Germany, Spain, Sweden and Greece, are reported to have been backing the 30 percent target. Although a lower target of 25 percent seemed to be more likely as it was supported by all 27 EU countries - but Poland vetoed even this target.
The Financial Times reports that Andrzej Kraszewski, Poland’s environment minister, believed more analysis is needed, with the impact on particular countries to be taken into account. “We expect greater solidarity within Europe and an understanding of the situation of specific member states.”
The 25 per cent figure would not be a binding commitment, just a suggested distance marker in Europe’s a longer term energy efficiency “road map”, which considers the most effective and cost-effective direction for EU states to reduce energy demand and emissions by at least 80 percent by 2050.
Picture of Luxemburg City by Daveness 98
