EU fails to curb fossil fuel use

THE worldwide bid to curb global warming suffered a major blow yesterday as new figures showed EU emissions in the 15 oldest member states increased by 1.3% between 2002 and 2003.

Outpourings of polluting gases went up among all 25 member countries by 1.5%, according to the European Environment Agency.

More coal use in power production was mostly to blame. This, coupled with colder weather in the first quarter in several EU countries, contributed to an increased use of fossil fuels to heat homes and offices.

The disclosure, on the eve of the G8 summit in Gleneagles, is expected to increase pressure on British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his pledge to take a lead in efforts to tackle the problem of increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and resulting climate change.

Yesterday’s figures also show the EU is way off track in meeting its Kyoto Protocol target of cutting emissions by 8% by 2012.

Latest figures show emissions are currently only 1.7% below 1990 levels.

Friends of the Earth head of campaigns Mike Childs said: “These alarming figures show that Europe is failing to take the necessary action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Time is running out. Unless urgent action is taken on climate change, the impacts will ruin countless lives and could wipe out a million species of wildlife.”