EU to Reduce Emissions

The European Commission has proposed new legislation to reduce the average CO2 emissions of new cars 120 g per kilometre by 2012, which is a reduction of almost 20%. Unfortunately the proposal is seen by environmentalists as not being enough, and as bowing down to big business and manufacturers.

The proposal will hold car manufacturers legally responsible for reducing the average emissions from their vehicles. Through improved technology to improve fuel consumption, emissions will be reduced from around 160 g per kilometre to 130 g per kilometre by 2012, a reduction of 18.75%. The extra 10 g needed to meet the target will come from savings due to other technological improvements, including better tyres and more efficient air conditioning.

Cars account for 12% of the European Union’s carbon emissions and the EU’s environment commissioner, Stavros Dimas has said that the legislation was going to reduce the CO2 emissions and fight climate change. However, the EU’s plan has been labelled as being weak by environment ministers and environmental campaigners.  

Friends of the Earth claim that the commissions new plans abandon the decade old target of cutting emissions by 25% within ten years. FoE claims that the manufacturers of larger, heavier vehicles now have a more flexible target and are facing inadequate penalties if they do not meet them.

Environmental lobbyists are calling the EU’s plan hypocritical because just days after taking credit for being a leader on climate issues during the Bali talks, they have set out emissions targets for the transport industry which are much lower than what is needed. The transport industry is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions but has set forth weak targets, with little political leadership. 

While requiring the manufacturers to reduce their vehicle’s emissions takes the pressure from the drivers and the chauffeurs of these larger vehicles, it seems their reduction targets will not be enough. For more information about hiring a limousine in your area which is already environmentally friendly, contact Limo Hire Preston now.