30% lower CO2 emissions target would help EU's economic growth - Environment Committee

(ADPnews) – Oct 5, 2010 - The EU would be acting in its own economic interest, if it raised its 2020 CO2 reduction target to 30% from the current 20%, Parliament's Environment Committee said in a resolution, approved on Tuesday.

“If the EU is not a leader in climate protection, it will be a loser in economic growth. The EU needs to act in its own interest by stepping up to a 30% reduction target, and in favour of vulnerable developing countries by respecting its financial commitments towards them," said Environment Committee chair, Jo Leinen.

The resolution - passed by the Environment Committee with 46 votes in favour, seven against and one abstention - sets out the committee's position ahead of UN climate talks in Cancun, Mexico, November 29 to December 10.

Parliament is expected to vote on the resolution later this month.

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