EU climate targets

The Council of the European Union has given its stamp of approval to a climate and energy package that contains legislation designed to help Europe tackle climate change.

Under the terms outlined in the package, the EU has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent by 2020.

One of the directives in the package aims to increase the use of renewable energy in the EU to 20 per cent.

According to the directive, each member state must adopt a national plan setting targets for renewable energy consumption in transport, electricity, heating and cooling by 2020.

Other parts of the package set out how the EU member states should reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in key sectors such as transport, agriculture and housing.

While the overall aim is to reduce EU emissions by 20 per cent, some countries, notably those with a lower gross domestic product and strong prospects for economic growth, will be allowed to increase their greenhouse gas emissions.