Poland agrees to 7% CO2 emissions cut after gaining concessions

The basis for the deal reached by the Environment Ministers of all the bloc’s 28 member states in Luxembourg on Friday was the European Commission’s proposal setting thresholds for individual countries. Under the agreement, Poland will have to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the three sectors by 7 percent before 2020.

Coal-dependent Poland was initially reluctant to cut emissions, arguing that the move would hamper growth within construction, transportation and agriculture.

Warsaw, however, agreed to the EC’s proposal in return for being allocated carbon allowances covering 115 million tonnes of CO2, which will help lower the costs of reducing pollution in Poland.

The final provisions discussed in Luxembourg will be hammered out following negotiations with the European Parliament. (aba/pk)

Source: IAR