Press release - June 30, 2011
30 June 2011, Brussels - Over 100 big name companies have now joined the call for the EU to increase its 2020 climate target to 30 percent.
Coca Cola, Axa and Deutsche Bahn recently added their names to a list of 102 major European brands now supporting the move, including Google, Unilever, Allianz and Sony. The number is up from around 60 in May, when Greenpeace highlighted the divide in the business community on this issue and invited those still silent in the debate to weigh in [1].
A respected study for the German government found that a domestic 30 percent EU climate target could grow European GDP by €620 billion by 2020 [2].
But EU lawmakers are under pressure not to act from a small group of carbon intensive firms dominating the business lobby agenda in Brussels [3]. Among the worst is Volkswagen, which came under fire from a global Greenpeace campaign [4] launched on Tuesday.
Last week, Poland stood alone in blocking an attempt by environment ministers to strengthen Europe's climate efforts, with 26 countries agreeing on next steps. Greenpeace is calling on President Sarkozy and Chancellor Merkel to step in the debate and forge agreement on improved climate ambition.
The European Parliament will have its say on whether the EU should move beyond its current target with a vote expected next week.
Ends
[1] See: www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2011/leaderslaggardsPR
[2] Notably: Jaeger Carlo C. et. al. A New Growth Path for Europe ‐ Generating Growth and Jobs in the Low-Carbon Economy. Synthesis report. March 2011. See: www.newgrowthpath.eu
[3] See: www.leaderslaggards.com
[4] See: www.vwdarkside.com
[1] See: www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2011/leaderslaggardsPR
[2] Notably: Jaeger Carlo C. et. al. A New Growth Path for Europe ‐ Generating Growth and Jobs in the Low-Carbon Economy. Synthesis report. March 2011. See: www.newgrowthpath.eu
[3] www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/campaigns/Climate/leaderslaggards
[4] See: www.vwdarkside.com