EU Leaders agreed on a plan, which still requires the European Parliament to pass it to become law, at a summit in Brussels that sets out how 27 member countries will aim for so called 20/20/20 package to tackle climate change.
The goal is for a 20% cut in GHG emissions, a 20% increase in use of renewable energy, and a 20% cut in energy consumption through improved energy efficiency.
However, critics such as the WWF have raised objections to the deal. They say the policies do not go far enough because they include concessions to heavy industry and Eastern European countries worried that pollution cuts will harm their economic growth.
Is it reasonable to grant allowances to these Eastern European countries lessening emissions restrictions to protect their growing economies, especially given the current economic conditions? If so, is it the responsibility of the rest of the EU to pick up the slack from these concessions?
It sounds like a good plan to me. But if the pollution cuts will hurt the economy then it should be put on hold. Top priority should be given to the economic crisis.
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The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet. -Aristotle
