EU Lights the Way

European Union leaders last month set targets for renewable energy, forging the way on climate change. The measures taken include banning common filament light bulbs by 2010.

Filament bulbs waste 90% of the energy they consume by producing heat rather than light. In contrast, a compact fluorescent bulb uses 75% less energy and lasts up to twelve times longer.

The measure has been widely applauded, being relatively uncomplicated and easy to impose while resulting in notable carbon dioxide savings.