The EU flag flies in front of a chimney at European Commission headquarters in Brussels, 5 Mar 2007

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso says the cost of combating global warming is far less than the cost of doing nothing.

Mr. Barroso spoke in Brussels Monday, where European Union diplomats are debating sharp cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, which many scientists believe are causing the Earth's climate to get warmer.

Mr. Barroso said he understands the cost to economies of capping emissions, but, he adds, not tackling the problem will cost economies more in the future. Mr. Barroso said that other countries, including the United States, are watching to see what Europe does on this issue.

European Union environmental ministers agreed in principle last month to cut carbon emissions from cars and factories by as much as 20 percent by 2020.

EU leaders will vote on the plan at a summit later this week. Some believe the plan is too expensive and are seeking a compromise

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.