• Parliament calls for 80% emissions cut

    MEPs considering the Commission’s second strategic energy review have called for an 80% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

    In a non-binding resolution, they want the current EU target of 60-80% reductions to be fixed at 80%, but an energy efficiency target of 35% and a goal of 60% for use of renewable energy to be left unchanged. T&E director Jos Dings said: ‘There is a vast difference between the ambition of such reviews and the real-world policies the Parliament is actually signing up to, not least on cars, fuels and aviation where the ambition has been very modest. And we’re dubious that the figures even add up – you don’t get an 80% cut in emissions from a 35% boost to efficiency and 60% renewables.’