Press release - November 23, 2009
European environment ministers met today in Brussels to put the final touches to the EU position going into the Copenhagen climate summit in December. Greenpeace welcomes the statement by the EU Presidency noting that the “EU is moving closer to 30% emission reductions.” However, Greenpeace urges the EU to lead by example and to align its emission reduction target with climate science as soon as possible.
"Millions of people, climate scientists and all developing countries around the world are calling for at least 40% emission reductions in Copenhagen. Copenhagen must set ambitious targets to tackle the escalating climate crisis. Nothing less will do," said Joris den Blanken, Greenpeace EU climate policy director.
EU governments have so far committed to a unilateral 20% emission reduction target by 2020 and a 30% target under a new climate agreement.
"The world is a very different place from when the EU first proposed its climate targets. With a myriad of loopholes and reductions stemming from the economic slowdown, a 20% cut has become nothing more than business as usual," said den Blanken.
While the EU has been reluctant to move, rich countries such as Japan and Norway have made commitments for deep emission cuts. Developing countries such as China, Brazil, Indonesia and South Africa have also announced ambitious climate action. Greenpeace urges the EU to upgrade its emission reduction target to at least 40% by 2020 compared to 1990 levels, with 30% achieved domestically.
VVPR info:
‘Cheating the Atmosphere: why the EU can do more for the climate’
http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/press-centre/policy-papers-briefings/cheating-the-atmosphere-16-11-09