In ‘The Netherlands in 21 infographics – Facts and figures on the human environment’ the PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency presents facts and figures in a novel way. The booklet covers...
Lower meat and dairy consumption benefits climate and health
When all inhabitants of the European Union (EU) would consume half as much of meat, dairy and eggs as they do today, the EU would achieve a 40% reduction in nitrogen emissions, a 25% - 40% reduction...
The European climate and energy package for 2030: is it adequate?
On Wednesday 22 January, the European Commission published a new climate target for 2030: a reduction in greenhouse gases of 40%, relative to 1990 levels. This target is to be achieved domestically...
2012 sees slowdown in the increase in global CO2 emissions
Actual global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) reached a new record of 34.5 billion tonnes in 2012. Yet, the increase in global CO2 emissions in that year slowed down to 1.1% , which was less than...
Developing countries’ contributions to climate change approach 50%
When we include all greenhouse gas emissions emitted in 1850-2010, the relative contribution to global cumulative emissions of developing countries is now 48%. The group of developed countries is...
A European greenhouse gas emission reduction target for 2030 is currently under discussion. For a 2030 EU reduction target of 40%, compared to 1990 levels, indicative reduction targets under the...
Tree felling for bioenergy could lead to an increase in CO2 emissions
Using logged trees as a bioenergy source – replacing fossil fuel – carries the risk of first increasing CO2 emissions before reducing them. It could in fact take up to 100 years before emissions begin...
EU climate and energy policy should be aimed at innovation
An 80% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, that is the EU ambition for 2050. Such a drastic reduction requires a much more vigorous renewal of our energy system. Setting a target for emission...
Minimum price best option for reform of EU Emissions Trading System
A minimum price for emission allowances offers the best opportunity for the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) to function as a key policy instrument in reducing CO2 emissions. Such a price floor will...
Pledges by developing countries lead to 9-12% emission reduction
A new study shows that the proposals from developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 lead to a 9-12% reduction in their emissions. Assuming all countries take immediate action...