EU to cut 40% of carbon emissions by 2030
The European Union (EU) has decided to slash greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030 compared to levels recorded in 1990.
Part of the deal also stipulates that the use of renewable energy by the signatories must increase 27%, with at least a similar boost in energy efficiency.
The agreement was reached in the run up to the UN climate change conference in Paris, which will take place on 1 December 2015.
Discussions in Brussels were heated as come members felt other national interests should also be taken into account but the resulting compromise includes every country in the EU.
Poland is one of the member states that relies heavily on coal, the nation feared that decarbonising would halt business growth and crush its economy.
However Herman Van Rompuy, the president of the European Council claimed that extra funds and assistance would be given to less wealthy countries within the EU.
Tonight's #EU2030 deal sets Europe on an ambitious yet cost-effective #climate and #energy path. My remarks: http://t.co/IJ0gDv9RlQ. #EUCO
— Herman Van Rompuy (@euHvR) October 24, 2014
German chancellor Angela Merkel added: "We made a decisive step forward."
The EU's Emissions Trading System (ETS) has, until now, excluded any restrictions on road transport, mostly focussing on the power and manufacturing sectors. This new deal allows member states to include road transport specifically, if they elect to.
It also tells the European Commission to "further develop instruments and measures for a comprehensive and technology neutral approach for the promotion of emissions reduction and energy efficiency in transport".
Part of this new deal, the UK previously opposed becoming reliant on wind, solar or hydroelectric power but seems to be embracing shale gas and nuclear energy as greener alternatives to crude oil and gas.