EC Energy Strategy: Do as I say, not as I do?
The EC’s new Energy Strategy, just released, seeks a 30% reduction in carbon emissions by developed countries by 2020 from their 1990 levels. However, the EC’s target for the nations of the EU itself aims only for a 20% reduction by 2010. Why should Europe’s own target be less than what they are seeking for all the developed world?
“A 30% cut in developed country emissions by 2020 is an essential step towards the longer term objective of reducing global emissions by as much as 50% below 1990 levels by 2050. A reduction on this scale is needed to meet the 2ºC objective, which in turn should prevent massive and irreversible disruption of the global climate system.
The EU should continue to take the lead by committing autonomously to reduce its own emissions by at least 20% below 1990 levels by 2020. This figure should be increased to 30% as part of a satisfactory global agreement on reducing worldwide emissions after 2012. The measures foreseen in the Strategic EU Energy Review, together with others already in place, will deliver an important part of the EU’s reduction.”