EU action to cut car carbon

3.53.02pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 12th Oct 2007

As part of the drive to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the transport sector the EU is to make €470 million available for research into hydrogen powered vehicles. The move follows pressure from the European Parliament after 420 MEPs put their names to a written declaration demanding more action in this area. However in order for this to have the desired effect on our greenhouse gas emissions this hydrogen has to in future be produced without carbon dioxide emissions (at present it is generated from fossil fuels but it can be produced from water using carbon free electricity).

Simon James said, "Climate change is the greatest threat facing us today. If we are to take this seriously we need to reduce carbon emissions in all sectors of the economy, not least in transport where they are currently growing most quickly."