Merkel Hangs Tough on GW

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is adamant about slashing her country's GHG emissions. By 2020 she wants a reduction of 40% from 1990 levels.

"'We can't just continue with business as usual,' Merkel, of the conservative Christian Democrats, said describing climate protection as the most-important challenge of the 21st century.

"Merkel is calling for a 3 percent annual increase in energy efficiency in Germany as well as a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2020 by up to 40 percent in comparison to 1990 levels.

"One of the main ways the government wants to achieve the energy efficiency goal is through better energy savings in buildings. A government energy working group is calling for subsidies for building improvements -- like better insulation -- to be increased from €1.4 billion to €3.5 billion a year.

"Germany also wants to increase the number of co-generation plants that are capable of delivering both electricity and heat to consumers, as well as adhering to the EU goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions in cars from an average of 160 grams per kilometer to 120 grams."

Simmering in the background is the debate over nuclear power. The chancellor is slowly trying to build public support for nuclear power and is prepared to go to the polls on the issue.

Some top global warming experts, such as James Lovelock, contend that nuclear power is the only viable alternative to fossil-fueled electricity generation and must be used, at least until renewable technologies are proven and practical.