Malta's legal challenges in implementing the EU effort sharing decision on greenhouse gas reduction

Abstract

As time goes by, many people are becoming more aware of climate change. The EU is taking this matter seriously. The European Commission is implementing the EU Climate and Energy Package also known as the 20-20-20 targets, with the aim that by 2020: Greenhouse gases are reduced by at least 20% of 1990 levels (30% reduction if other developed countries commit themselves to comparable cuts); energy consumption is reduced by 20% of projected 2020 levels - by improving energy efficiency; more use of renewables (wind, solar, biomass, etc) to 20% of total energy production (currently ± 8.5%). As the title of this dissertation suggests, the thesis will seek to analyse the socalled Effort Sharing Decision. This forms part of the European legislation that is part of the EU Climate and Energy Package. It will be a legal challenge for Malta to implement the Decision. The first chapter addresses the link between the UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol and the EU Effort Sharing Decision. This chapter also includes a detailed analysis of the EU Climate and Energy Package and the difference between the Effort Sharing Decision and the ETS. In later chapters an analysis will be carried out of the various pieces of EU legislation intended to help EU Member States achieve the targets established in the Effort Sharing Decision. Other chapters of the dissertation will delve into assessing the Effort Sharing Decision and current greenhouse gases emissions in Malta. Malta’s targets under the Effort Sharing Decision and the current implementations of Malta in order to achieve the targets decided in the Effort Sharing Decision shall also be discussed.