Independent.ie

 

EU leaders reached a deal to cut climate emissions in the bloc by 55% within a decade compared to 1990 levels after all-night talks to resolve how the change could be fairly implemented. The 2030 target is a key part of the EU’s aim to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, and comes as the bloc signed off on a €1.85 trillion budget and stimulus package tied to green investments and digitalisation projects. “That’s a historic development,” said Taoiseach Micheál Martin as he emerged on Friday from the marathon debate with fellow EU leaders devoted to getting the climate agreement over the line.

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Only 3.2 million of the estimated 10 million lightbulbs sold in 2019 were recycled, according to Waste, Electrical and Electronic Equipment Ireland. That leaves up to 6.8 million bulbs which could have been sent to landfill via household rubbish bins. This creates a severe health and environmental hazard as many bulbs are fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps, which can contain traces of mercury and other very harmful chemicals.