European Union to cut carbon emissions

EU Emissions Plan to cut carbon emissions by 20% by 2020.

By Mark Mardell
BBC Europe editor

Europe's environment ministers have backed a plan to cut the European Union's carbon emissions by 20% by 2020. Perhaps they should wear a blue carnation to celebrate.
They have also set a further target of 30% - but only if other industrialised nations join them.
This is the latest step in the EU's desire to lead the world towards a new deal on climate change. If the 27 presidents and prime ministers sign up to the targets at a meeting next month there are hopes this could lead to an agreement of the G8 nations in the summer.
The big prize is of course persuading the United States to come on board.
UK Environment Minister David Miliband said: "We've always said that 2007 is a crucial year in our ongoing efforts to combat climate change and today's agreement is an important first step.
"The unilateral commitment to cut EU greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020 - the first of its kind - shows we're willing to take concrete action on an issue that citizens care about." Click HERE to read the rest.