European Union leaders have resolved to slash greenhouse gas emissions and switch to renewable fuels, challenging the world to follow its lead in fighting climate change.
The EU set unilateral goals today for raising the share of renewable energies, such as hydro or wind power, to 20% of energy use by 2020 from below 7% now.
The deal came in exchange for flexibility on national contributions.
Leaders at a Brussels summit also agreed to slash greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from burning fossil fuels, to 20% below 1990 levels by 2020, or 30% if other developed nations, such as the United States, Russia, China and India, follow suit.
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said: 'We can say to the rest of the world, Europe is taking the lead. You should join us fighting climate change.'
In a move that will affect all of the bloc's 490 million citizens, the leaders called for energy-saving lighting to be required in homes, offices and streets by the end of the decade.
Barroso argues Europe can gain a first mover economic advantage by investing in green technology, but businesses are concerned they could foot a huge bill and lose competitiveness to dirtier but cheaper foreign rivals.
While the deal laid down Europe-wide goals for cutting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and developing renewable sources, separate national targets will have to be set with the consent of member states, presaging years of wrangling between Brussels and governments.
The statement also set a 10% target for biofuels in transport by 2020 to be implemented in a cost-efficient way.
