105: EU steps up on climate change

As yet more evidence emerged today regarding the faster than expected pace of global warming, and the Brazilians resorted to enlisting their armed forces in forest protection, it was something of a relief to see the EU take some leadership on climate change. Today's linked article from the UK's Guardian newspaper sets out new plans agreed yesterday in Brussels, which would include 21% cuts in carbon emissions for many EU countries and a target for 20% of energy to come from renewable sources, both by 2020. The aim is for the EU to lead not only in tackling climate change but in developing green technologies. Some feel that progress should - and could - in fact exceed these targets. Certainly, the EU has thrown down the green gauntlet. Perhaps 2008 will see the world's regions compete to do the most for the environment?! Now THAT would be a good news story...