Globally, GHG emissions rose by 70% between 1970 and 2004. The IPCC predicts rises of between 1° and 6°C from current levels by 2100, depending on the levels of future GHG emissions. If the higher estimates are accurate, there would be catastrophic consequences, so decisive action is a must. In March 2007, as part of a wide-ranging attempt to cut emissions, European heads of state agreed to set legally binding targets to reduce Europe-wide emissions of greenhouse gases by 20% of 1990 levels by 2020. This target may be increased to 30% by 2020 if a new global climate change agreement.
