Wednesday 21 April 2021

EU Reductions Don't Impress?

Environmentalists are unimpressed by the new EU targets to reduce carbon emissions (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/21/new-eu-target-to-cut-carbon-emissions-by-at-least-55-disappoints-experts). It will always be harder to get agreement across a group of nations with disparate aims and needs. The EU have collectively agreed to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions by 55% compared to 1990 levels. This is an improvement on an earlier 40% target. The EU also intends to move to net zero by 2050 but not all counties will be committed to this. Poland, for example, produces 80% of its electricity by burning coal (the dirtiest hydrocarbon). It is difficult to see this fuel being eliminated there, by 2050. The EU also intends to invest more in carbon sinks (to absorb carbon dioxide). The sinks will include forests, grassland and wetlands. The general feeling is that a) the targets are not ambitious enough and b) there will be problems if some countries are opting out at this very early stage. There is also scope for inappropriate bartering e.g. "we have a large wetland, so we don't have to reduce our emissions so much!"

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