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Car-mad Italy lags on emissions cuts

Italians' love of cars and their reluctance to switch from carbon-based fuels for energy needs means their country is one of the worst environmental performers in Europe, one of Italy's main green groups said on Thursday.
"Italy is the black sheep of Europe," said Roberto Della Seta of the Legambiente organisation. The group says Italians drive an average 15,000 kilometres each year — 31% more than the European average and 60% more than the average German.
Italy still gets 88% of its energy by burning fossil fuels. Renewable sources account for less than 6%. The country’s greenhouse-gas emissions have risen 12.1% since 1990, rather than heading towards the 6.5% reduction target that Italy pledged to reach in the 2008-12 period.