Britain, France, Germany urge 30 percent EU carbon emission cuts by 2020

Britain, France, Germany urge EU emissions cuts

BERLIN — Britain, France and Germany are urging European Union nations to agree to a 30 percent cut in carbon emissions by 2020 in an effort to combat climate change.

Britain’s climate secretary, along with the environment ministers of France and Germany wrote in a joint letter published Thursday that the EU must target a 30 percent reduction in carbon emissions from 1990 levels to stop the rise in global temperatures.

The ministers further argue the move makes good business sense because it would promote more green sector jobs and keep Europe competitive in tackling climate change.

The EU is already promising a 20 percent cut and has discussed the possibility of deepening that by 30 percent.