EU on track to reach 2020 target

The bloc was also ahead in terms of projected use of energy from renewable sources with 14 percent from such sources in 2012. The 2020 target for renewables is also 20 percent.

The bloc was also ahead in terms of projected use of energy from renewable sources with 14 percent from such sources in 2012. The 2020 target for renewables is also 20 percent.

Published Oct 29, 2014

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Copenhagen - The European Union is close to achieving its 2020 target of reducing greenhouse gases ahead of time, the bloc's environmental agency said on Tuesday.

The European Environment Agency (EAA) estimated that in 2013 greenhouse gas emissions were down 19 percent compared to 1990 levels. The 2020 target is a 20 percent reduction.

Some projections suggest the cuts in 2020 could reach 21 percent, the agency said.

“Even against the backdrop of economic recession in recent years, we can see that policies and measures are working and have played a key role in reaching this interim result,” said Hans Bruyninckx, head of the Copenhagen-based agency.

The bloc was also ahead in terms of projected use of energy from renewable sources with 14 percent from such sources in 2012. The 2020 target for renewables is also 20 percent.

The agency however cautioned against “complacency” as several countries were above projected domestic emission targets.

More progress on reducing emissions from the transport and agriculture sectors was also needed, the EEA said. - Sapa-dpa

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