Mediterranean Islands

The Mediterranean coasts are diverse in the way that they encompass both the European and African Continents. According to the European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said failure to meet targets for reductions in emissions by 2050 could make the consequences of climate change "irreversible and uncontrollable." "To be more specific, it will directly hinder our efforts to reduce poverty and hunger in the world," claimed Barroso. The islands that are located in the Mediterranean region are fortunate to benefit from the progressive and proactive policies of the European Continent. It is the European Union who has taken the lead in the fight against global warming by setting up a landmark EU emissions trading scheme in 2005 that regulates carbon used by businesses. In addition to a regional scheme, EU Commission President is seeking to build an alliance with African countries by establishing an EU-Africa energy partnership, which will include renewable energy. Despite the progressive policies of Africa and Europe, ebbing the affects of climate change will need much larger international policy direction because Mediterranean islands will continue to submerge despite the forward thinking policies of the European Commission.