EU proposes 20 pct CO2 emissions cut by 2020, says nuclear an 'option' UPDATE |
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Wed, 10 Jan 2007 13:10
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(Updates with further details for cuts, nuclear quotes)BRUSSELS (AFX) - The European Commission is proposing that developed countries should cut their emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to an average of 30 pct below 1990 levels by 2020, with the EU autonomously cutting emissions by 20 pct by 2020.This is part of a wider aim to limit global warming to no more than 2 degrees Celsius above the temperature in pre-industrial times.The commission said the EU should take the lead by committing autonomously to reduce its own emissions by at least 20 pct by 2020 - but this cut would be increased to 30 pct 'as part of a satisfactory global agreement'.The commission also said that worldwide emissions will need to be cut by up to half of their 1990 levels by 2050.'An autonomous EU commitment to achieving an ambitious emissions reduction target would demonstrate leadership by example to the rest of the world,' the commission added in a background document.The commission plans to make the cuts through a 20 pct increase in energy efficiency, as well as increasing the share of power from renewable sources by 20 pct.The commission also called for a European approach for the use of nuclear power, and proposed the creation of a high level group of national nuclear regulators to develop a 'common understanding' for nuclear safety and security in Europe.'Reinforcing nuclear power generation could also represent one option for reducing CO2 emissions and play a major role in addressing global climate change,' the commission said, although it stressed that the final decision to develop capacity was very much a national question.'It is for each member state to decide whether or not to rely on nuclear power for the generation of electricity,' it added.The commission is putting these proposals to the Spring European Council taking place on March 8-9 in Brussels, where EU leaders will decide on a comprehensive approach to the EU's energy and climate policies.It will also be discussed by EU environment ministers, who are meeting on Feb 20 in Brussels.victoria.main@afxnews.comvm/fr/cmrCOPYRIGHTCopyright AFX News Limited 2006. All rights reserved.The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News.AFX News and AFX Financial News Logo are registered trademarks of AFX News Limited
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EU proposes 20 pct CO2 emissions cut by 2020, developed countries 30 pct cut tgt 