Climate Change
It is true that the devastating effects of an oil slick can generate great social concern because of its spectacular dimensions. But, without doubt, climate change represents the greatest environmental challenge humanity will face in coming decades.
In the last 100 years the average global temperature increased by 0.6°C (1.2°C in Europe) and scientists have stated that the nineties was the hottest decade in the last 150 years. Forecasts speak of an average temperature increase ranging from 1.4 to 5.8°C between 1990 and 2100, which would change water cycles and cause sea levels to rise due to the partial thawing of polar ice caps.
In an attempt to prevent this, the Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1997 and established a time frame for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, based on each country's level of emissions. The EU as a whole must reduce its emissions by 8% in relation to 1990's level by 2010. Far above the 15% permitted increase.
It is evident that if actions are not taken in future years to change this trend, it will be impossible to reach the agreed objectives. Other countries are achieving it though, such as Germany. Meanwhile, Spain is, together with Canada, the country that is furthest away from meeting its Kyoto commitments in terms of CO2 emissions.
