Dutch Propose Tighter CO2 Limits
Date: 17-Nov-05
Country: NETHERLANDS
France this week announced plans to boost the use of solar power and to hit motorists with higher taxes on the worst polluting cars as it beefs up the fight against global warming.
Many European governments face difficulty meeting their Kyoto targets as pollution from industry, households and the transport sector has been rising.
The Netherlands plans to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution from factories and power stations by three percent in 2008-2012, the first period covered by the Kyoto Protocol.
The draft proposals would tighten the CO2 limits for Dutch companies covered by the European Union's emissions trading scheme which launched this year in a bid to meet targets set under the Kyoto Protocol.
"The draft decision has been submitted in parliament for discussions," the environment ministry said in a newsletter.
"A final decision will be made in the spring of 2006."
The proposals come as officials from 150 countries prepare to meet in Montreal on November 28 for a UN climate change summit to seek ways to curb greenhouse gas emissions after the first phase of the Kyoto Protocol ends in 2012.
The environment ministry wants to lower by three percent the amount of CO2 industry can emit in 2008-2012, compared with limits in 2005-2007, the first phase of the EU trading scheme.
European governments have until June 2006 to submit final proposals on how they plan to reduce pollution in the second phase of the EU scheme to meet their Kyoto targets. The plans then need European Commission approval.
The Dutch proposals call for a limit 108.6 million tonnes a year in 2008-2012. The Netherlands has in place a limit 112 million tonnes a year for 2005-2007 -- phase one of the EU trading scheme.
Analysts say CO2 limits across much of the EU are expected to be tougher in 2008-12 as Europe chases Kyoto reduction targets which apply to that period.
The Kyoto treaty requires developed nations to cut their emissions of greenhouse gases by 5.2 percent from 1990 levels by 2008-2012.
In addition to curbing CO2 at home, the Netherlands is looking to buy large numbers of additional credits from emissions-reducing project in developing countries to help it meet Kyoto targets, according to brokers.
(additional reporting by Margaret Orgill and Stuart Penson)
