The European Union signed off Friday on a massive cut in greenhouse gas emissions, vowing to lower the levels by 40 percent of what was recorded in 1990 — by the year 2030.
The 28-member EU made the deal to be the example for the world on fighting climate change, The Associated Press reported.
Under the terms of the deal, participating nations will also have to provide 27 percent of the bloc’s energy needs using climate-friendly and renewable sources, AP said.
“It was not easy, not at all,” said European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, AP reported. “But we managed to reach a fair decision. It sets Europe on an ambitious yet cost-effective climate and energy path.”
The combined gross domestic product of the EU is larger than that of the United States — yet member nations say they are collectively responsible for only 10 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, AP said.
The decision comes in the lead-up to a Paris summit on climate change, set for early next year.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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