on a turkish channel today the news stated that sea levels have risen by around 7 metres..

EU environment ministers have agreed in principle to cut greenhouse emissions by 20% from 1990 levels by 2020.
The ministers, meeting in Brussels, also agreed to seek a 30% cut worldwide if matched by other developed nations.

The proposals, outlined by the European Commission in January, are seen as a key measure to curb climate change.

The EU must still decide how to make cuts, allowing for a possible compromise with member states opposed to mandatory targets.

Hungary and Poland, who joined the EU in 2004, are said to have opposed the cuts.

Finland has also reportedly voiced opposition to the Commission's targets.

But German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel said his country was prepared to go further and cut emissions by 40%.

"There will be some countries like Germany that will see a steeper reduction in greenhouse gases," he said, quoted by the Associated Press news agency.

Struggle for consensus

On Sunday, environment ministers from the UK, Spain and Slovenia urged the 27-member block to endorse the 30% target.

The window of opportunity is closing rapidly and a strong EU voice is necessary

UK, Spanish and Slovenian environment ministers


Q&A: EU energy proposals
'Testing time' for EU policy

In an article for the BBC News website, they said that failure to act would threaten efforts to persuade nations such as the US and China to agree to cap emissions.

In January, Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas urged "the rest of the developed world to follow our lead, match our reductions and accelerate progress towards an international agreement on the global emission reductions".

However, international negotiations on the shape of the framework to replace the current Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012, have struggled to reach a consensus.

A number of nations have voiced doubts about the effectiveness of national emission limits.


BBC NEWS, published 2007/02/20

Austrialia has announced today that it is banning incandescant light bulbs for them to be replaced with low energy fluorescent bulbs over the next couple of years. This could cut green house gas emissions by 4 million tonnes by 2012.

Such a simple thing with a huge effect. I am glad to say that my house already has energy saving lights bulbs.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21309253-662,00.html#

Going green saves bucks

March 02, 2007 12:00am

AUSTRALIANS keen to save the planet can also save money by going green, environmental campaigners say.

Implementing a 10-step "carbon diet" can greatly reduce household greenhouse gas emissions and potentially save the average household about $2800.

Simple tips on how to achieve savings -- while helping fight climate change -- will be detailed on Sunday in an interactive television program supported by the Sunday Herald Sun.

The two-hour Network Ten show, Cool Aid: The National Carbon Test, will audit emissions from a range of homes and outline simple reduction strategies.

Founder of Sydney eco-business Todae, Danin Kahn, said with the range of sustainable living products expanding rapidly, households could save money while reducing emissions.

Operating online since 2003, Todae recently opened its first retail outlet in Sydney.

"Everything we've done has been based on customer enthusiasm," Mr Kahn said. "It's not been driven by the Government, but by people wanting to try things to make a difference."

Mr Kahn said the focus of Todae's products and services was to help people reduce their ecological footprint and, importantly, their carbon emissions in a way that didn't jeopardise their lifestyle.

Products range from household consumables such as for cleaning and body care, energy and water-saving devices, baby and fashion items, through to full solar and wind power installations to create electricity from renewable sources.

Cool Aid: The National Carbon Test, will be on at 8.30pm Sunday on Channel 10.

You can get your participation audit form in the Sunday Herald Sun this Sunday.