EU reports drop in greenhouse emissions

Brussels -- The European Environment Agency says greenhouse gas emissions from the European Union were down slightly in 2005.

Officials warned, however, that it could be a random variation and not a result of legislation or increased environmental awareness, The International Herald Tribune said Thursday.

Emissions are a bit lower than in 1990 and about equal to the levels of 1992, with large decreases in Finland and Germany making up for increases in many other nations.

"This is a good step, but if you look at the absolute levels, we're where we were in 1992, so you have to put this in context," said report coordinator Andreas Barkman.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.