European Environment Agency says 40% greenhouse gas cut possible by 2030
Thu 30 June 2005
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According to the European Environment Agency (EEA) Europe can meet a 2030 target to cut greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030 compared with 1990 levels. More than half the reductions required would be based on technologies that are realistically available inside Europe, and the remainder achieved through international emissions trading.
The Copenhagen-based agency projects substantial changes in the EU energy sector by 2030. The sector is currently responsible for 80 % of all EU greenhouse gas emissions.
The Agency says that meeting the target will require more efficient electricity and heat generation and use of energy in households, industry, services/agriculture and transport, a switch to low-carbon fuels and increases in renewable energy mainly from wind and biomass.
The report sets out a number of scenarios assessing what changes would be needed to ensure a low global emissions future at the lowest cost.
The Executive Director of the EEA, Professor Jacqueline McGlade, said:
"Climate change is at the top of the international agenda and many people are now aware of the Kyoto Protocol...our political leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to global leadership on this issue and the Agency has now mapped out possible pathways to delivering on this political commitment.
"Europe needs to remove environmentally harmful subsidies on energy, improve its energy efficiency and increase its share of renewable energy. It also needs to help develop an efficient global emissions trading market."
Related Links
European Environment Agency press release
Full Report: Climate Change and a European low carbon energy system
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