News

China more ambitious than EU on climate

February 11, 2011

A leading climate consultancy says the EU can no longer say it has the most ambitious and influential energy and climate policy in the world. Analysing draft targets on energy efficiency and climate change in China’s next five-year plan, the E3G consultancy says China’s intentions are more ambitious than the EU’s.

[mailchimp_signup][/mailchimp_signup]China’s plan envisages a 64% increase in renewable energy to 427 gigawatts, while Europe’s target is 322GW; and China is likely to introduce a 30% reduction target for both fuel consumption and carbon emissions from new vehicles.

E3G says the EU must cut emissions by 30% by 2020 if European wants to remain a leader on climate issues and environmental technology.

  • The World Meteorological Organisation says 2010 was the warmest year since global temperature records began in 1850. Last year was 0.53C warmer than the average for the period 1961-90, which is generally seen as a point of reference.

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