EU to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 40 Percent by 2030

EU leaders have reached a deal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030, compared with 1990 levels.

The decision came after heated discussions during a summit in Brussels, as some members had argued that their varied interests should be "protected," according to the BBC.

The final deal is a compromise between countries that rely on coal, and those willing to instill greater emissions cuts. Environmental groups welcomed the deal, but most believe that it didn't go far enough.

The leaders also agreed to boost the use of renewable energy to 27 percent in the total energy mix and increase energy efficiency to around 27 percent.

Poland, which relies heavily on coal, is worried that the costs of decarbonizing its economy will slow business growth, according to the BBC. Its concerns were echoed by other central and east European members.

The President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, said afterwards that some poorer EU members would get help in reaching the targets.

"In order to reach its own target, a country, for instance Denmark, which already has double glazing everywhere, can decide instead of going for triple glazing, rather to help finance a double glazing project elsewhere in Europe. That way it can get more emissions savings value for its money," Rompuy added, according to EUObserver.com.

The UK also opposed nationally binding targets for renewables, mainly wind, solar and hydroelectric power.

Leaders from all over the world had been cautious about the deal, before holding talks late into the night on Thursday. In the early hours of Friday, they finally reached a deal.

The EU Commissioner for Climate Action, Connie Hedegaard, said she was "very proud" that the leaders "were able to get their act together on this pressing climate challenge."

The EU is already on target to cut its CO2 emissions by 20 percent by 2020, compared to 1990 emissions levels. EU officials said earlier this week they wanted the EU to have an "ambitious position" in the run up to the UN climate change conference in Paris in December 2015.