A draft European Union (EU) document states that the cost of reaching a 30 percent reduction in emissions by 2020 would be less expensive and more easily attainable than previously thought. The current economic crisis has reduced EU emissions enough to assure the currently agreed to target of 20 percent. According to the document, the costs of reaching 30 percent would be more heavily borne by poorer member states, but those effects could be mitigated through reductions in carbon allowances for rich countries in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). An addition a 6.5 percent cut in non-ETS sectors such as transportation and buildings would be required to meet a 30 percent target. No plan has been proposed, and support has declined due to the ongoing debt crisis and opposition from industry. "Yes, a 30 percent target would help of course, but chances this passes in the short term are very low, given the economic context," said Emmanuel Fages, an analyst at Societe Generale.
For additional information see: Reuters
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Have you ever heard of guerilla gardeners? Those who see abandoned land with good sun and turn it into a garden to feed and bring joy to others? We met a few in Helsinki working with 
Before leaving for Finland, I checked out some books and music from the local library system to see if it would help me get in the frame of mind needed for such an exchange. I had a great class in high school in Ann Arbor, called “Humanities;” it was 2 hours a day and covered history, art, music and literature of the Western world. It was the most effective class I ever had in making history and culture understandable in context.
I tried to get some films too but they were unavailable. During the trip we met Markku Seppänen, a gifted historian and architect, who guided us through Rovaniemi Lapland. We talked about films at length and he sent me the following personal recommendations today:
We stood on the steps, overlooking the comings and goings of busloads of tourists on Senate Square as they quickly snapped pictures before heading to the next stop. Standing parallel to the Helsinki rooftops, we enjoyed a rare site when the top of a huge cruise ship glided by as it settled into port, possibly completing a daily run from Stockholm, Sweden or Tallinn, Estonia. Jim was struck not only by the size of the cathedral, but by the separation of clergy from congregation. The pulpit was lifted high with entrance via a door to the rear.
For something completely different, Paula then shuttled us out of the city to the Viikki Church. As stated in their brochure, “Viikki Church is a modern and multi-purpose wooden church. Its rooms are on one floor. Viikki Church was designed by the architect Samuli Miettinen of …. JKMM.” The church was completed in 2005. The use of natural materials, the connection to the outdoors all felt familiar and welcoming – this would fit in our Adirondacks! As stated by the designers, the “Architecture wishes to evoke impressions of the Finnish forest; of its sacredness and common nature. Dense wooden clustered columns and beams are architect-created structures. The structural idea is essentially defining the whole. The detail of the outer wall reflects a design concept by itself. The aim has been the all-wood atmosphere which is devout and uplifting.”JKMM Architects No stained glass here - a glass wall of windows invited people in and those inside out to the gardens and walkways beyond. The flowing lines and clever use of space impressed us.