EU on track so far with green energy goals, 2030 a challenge

(Reuters, 28 Oct 2014) EU nations have work to do to meet new green energy goals agreed last week, as increased fossil fuel burning last year drove up pollution in some countries, although the bloc is on track to meet its earlier targets, official data showed on Tuesday.

The figures from the European Environment Agency (EEA) showed the European Union's overall emissions fell by 1.8 percent in 2013 versus 2012, meaning it has already met a 2020 goal to cut pollution by 20 percent versus 1990.

In 2013, the continued decline coincided with a slight rise in economic activity, countering arguments from some in business that the EU's green goals are at odds with expansion and that economic collapse was the biggest cause of lower emissions.

However, German emissions rose by 1.2 percent as more fossil fuel was used for heating.

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Reuters, 28 Oct 2014: EU on track so far with green energy goals, 2030 a challenge