EU greenhouse gas emissions rise despite efforts to tackle emissions

EU greenhouse gas emissions increased for 2010 by 2.4 per cent; this is despite the recession taking hold and policies designed to cut emissions. It is an embarrassing result for the EU, which has an international commitment to cut emissions by 2020.The European Environment agency has explained the rise by highlighting the colder winter, and signs of economic recovery.

The Agency also states however, that emissions could have been much higher were it not for increases in solar and wind energy. The rise is still significant, amounting to 111 million tonnes of carbon dioxide compared to a decrease of 7.3 per cent between 2008 and 2009. The fall over this period means that the EU should still meet its Kyoto targets.

Jacqueline McGlade, executive director of the EEA says, "Emissions increased in 2010. This rebound effect was expected as most of Europe came out of recession. However, the increase could have been even higher without the fast expansion of renewable energy generation in the EU." There was an expansion in the use of renewables by 12.7 per cent in 2010.

The worry is that gas use also increased by 7.4 per cent, and it is thought the EU might try to rebrand gas as a clean energy source, diverting funds from solar and wind developments. This would be catastrophic for emissions reductions plans, as whilst gas produces fewer emissions compared to coal, it remains a polluting greenhouse gas emitting fuel source.

According to the EEU, Germany, Poland and the UK were the chief source of the increase in emissions partly due to a recovery in the economy. Emissions from road transport fell over the period.