The_Walrus wrote:
lotuspuppy wrote:
I find it ironic that the EU's coal consumption is increasing, despite their official policy that gives them the most stringent clean air laws in the world. I guess their opposition to fracking and Germany's phase-out of nuclear energy are contributing factors. Ironic how environmental policies get in the way of one another.
Meanwhile, the pollution-loving U.S. has seen the largest absolute drop in CO2 emissions in the past five years than any other country, including the EU. Just saying.
Absolute drops probably aren't the basis to judge countries on. I would say a hypothetical 90% drop from Tuvalu is more commendable than a 0.1% drop from the USA.
But yes, Germany's irrational fear of nuclear energy is irresponsible and essentially makes it impossible for it to ever be low-carbon.
My point was not to congratulate the US (although there are structural factors to suggest emissions have peaked), but that policy does not always dictate reality. Then again, Russia's energy policy is doing a great job encouraging emissions by keeping clean natural gas prices high, and encouraging the use of dirty coal.
Air pollution anywhere is a bad thing. We all breathe the same air.
07 Jan 2013, 7:50 pm
