New rules on derogations to the stricter stage IIIB air pollutant emission limits for tractors have been adopted by the EU Ministers. The stage IIIB limits entered into force in January 2011, and under the new rules up to 40 per cent of each manufacturer's sales, averaged over the past five years, will be allowed to meet less stringent limits. As an alternative option it was also agreed to allow derogation for up to 250 models sold by each manufacturer, depending on engine size.
Source: ENDS Europe Daily, 20 July 2011
If all the 20 planned coal-fired power plant projects in Germany are realised, they would together emit more than 140 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually from 2050 onwards. This would make it impossible to achieve the climate targets of the German government.
Significant additional emission reductions and accompanying environmental improvements can be achieved in Europe by 2020. Health benefits alone far outweigh the extra costs for emission control.
A proposal for a revision of the EU Energy Tax Directive, launched in April by the European Commission, has triggered strong reactions from some of the EU member states, including giants like the UK and Germany.
The European Commission do not believe that their own proposal for a new Energy Efficiency Directive will be enough to meet the 20 per cent energy savings target by 2020.
The fate of the vast boreal forest belt of the northern hemisphere is crucial for global climate. A new AirClim-report looks into our possibilities to protect and manage these forests for climate mitigation. Reducing paper consumption turns out to be an option.