The richest nations on earth are the richest polluters of environment. As global warming starts to spread its hold on the globe, the developed nations in particular are lagging behind in combating what would be the biggest disaster on earth.
So many conferences have been held ever since the world arose from slumber only to know about an impending disaster that would devour everything from glaciers to humans. But, what has been the result? Kyoto protocol of 1997 set a limit of 8% carbon cut for Europe, but the continent has failed enormously in that effort, only achieved a 2% reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions.
The current situation shows no sign of Europe meeting its target to reduce emissions by eight per cent by 2012. But, few individual nations of the European continent have achieved more than the desired target like Britain has already exceeded its 2012 target to cut emissions by 12.5 per cent. The picture varies considerably between EU member states. Finland and France are other EU nations that have successfully reduced their carbon emissions as per the set targets. But, on the other hand, Spain needs to cut its GHG emissions by as much as 37% in going the Kyoto way. That means many member states from the 15 EU nations who signed the treaty, need to accelerate their efforts to limit emissions significantly to meet EU’s Kyoto target.
Even the World Wildlife Fund has raised concerns over the lagging behind of EU stating that the EU scheme has been seriously undermined by weak political decisions. It said, however, the mechanism of carbon trading is sound in principle, but when seen at a larger extent it fails to fulfill the criteria as it only covers 40 % of EU emissions, excluding areas like aviation for not imposing stringent carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gas limits on countries.
The scenario looks rather dull for the EU. There are some countries that need badly need to pull up their socks and strive for reaching near to the set target. Other nations that have done significantly better would need to make an extra effort to curb the emission levels for the continent in general. That would depend on how they generate power or electricity and how many take to renewable sources.
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Via: Telegraph