According to this Reuters article the Europeans are cranking out the GHGs (Green House Gases) at an alarming rate.
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – A cold winter and increased coal-burning power production raised carbon dioxide emissions in 15 EU states by 1.8 percent between 2002 and 2003, the EU environment agency said on Tuesday.
The European Environment Agency said an extra 59 million tonnes of CO2, which represents 80 percent of all EU emissions, were released into the atmosphere in the 15 EU states, measured before its expansion to 25 states in 2004.
The EU has agreed to cut total greenhouse gas emissions by 8.0 percent of their 1990 levels by 2012 to fight global warming as part of the Kyoto treaty.
Green group Friends of the Earth said the figures showed the bloc was far behind in meeting its target and emissions should have dropped by 5.2 percent in 2003 compared to 1990 for western Europe to be on track.
I find this rather funny considering how the Europeans love to lecture the U.S. on its responsibility in regards to global warming. However, I also wonder, what are the Europeans going to do? After all, they have to cut emissions and when it gets cold (or hot) people like to do things to keep warm (or cool). Maybe build more of those evil nuclear power plants or something, I guess.
“The new figures are shocking, as they indicate that Europe will most likely not meet its obligation to limit dangerous climate change,” said FOE Europe’s Jan Kowalzig in a statement.
“The blame goes mostly to national economy and industry ministers, who constantly block any attempts to introduce mandatory targets for renewable energies, energy efficiency rules or fuel consumption standards for cars,” he added.
I gotta say, the irony here is quite good. On the one hand we get all the handwringing and scolding over failing to sign onto Kyoto when the EU itself appears not to give a damn about Kyoto, CO2 emissions, and climate change (EU to Tuvalu: Piss off!).
It is even more amusing to see that one of the worst offenders is Ireland. Here is the Irish Examiner Op-Ed telling us how the U.S. should not ignore global warming. The hypocrisy here is just amazing.
Update: (19:54) Just wanted to add that what is also interesting is that it looks like the U.S. is the only honest country at the G-8 Summit. All the rest will make the breathless statements about climate change/global warming and that something must be done, when in fact none of these Euro clowns have any intention of following through on their rhetoric.
