New EU Commitment to Cut Carbon Emissions by 20 Percent in 2020

The European Union has recently taken a pledge to reduce carbon emissions by 20 percent, compared to levels in 1990.

This new commitment has come as a result of the formalised support for the Copenhagen climate change conference – which was held last month with the purpose of bringing together world leaders and making global decisions about climate change.

A statement was released recently stating that the EU may increase its targets to 30 percent from the original 20 if other countries agree to do their part and to take on enough carbon emissions. This work will be necessary to tackle climate change.

The English government will be working closely with local authorities, for example, to make sure that these targets will be met. Measures include encouraging homeowners to install double glazing in windows, to help keep homes warmer and save on energy bills. There will also be encouragement to install renewable energy technology, with rewards and payments for any excess energy sold back to the grid.

President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, said that the EU is ‘determined’ to move quickly to implement the Copenhagen Accord. The pledge is in place to make sure that global warming is held below two degrees C.

He also urged all countries to associate themselves with the Accord and to set their own emission targets and plans of action.