Environmental analysis news: EU 'will not increase CO2 cuts'

The European Union will not up its pledge to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 20 per cent, it has been reported.

According to Reuters, the conditions required to increase the level of CO2 cuts from 20 to 30 per cent have not been met.

In a report obtained by the news provider, the reasons for the decision were outlined.

"In particular, due to the insufficient offers by the US and Russia, the EU's comparability criteria to move to a 30 per cent target are not met," the document said.

The EU is now expected to submit a target of a 20 per cent reduction in CO2 over 1990 levels to the United Nations by the January 31st deadline.

However, ministers have pledged to continue to encourage other nations to increase their emissions cuts.

Following the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit in December, a further meeting of world leaders is due to take place in Mexico at the end of 2010.

The UN has stated that it intends to push for the Copenhagen accord to become a legally binding treaty at the talks later this year.

Posted by Joseph Hutton