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.