21/03/2005 - WWF is extremely
concerned that the EU Heads of State and Government
meeting in the European Council on 22-23 March
will undermine the visionary approach on climate
change recently adopted by EU Environment
Ministers.
The global conservation organisation fears
that some key European governments may sabotage
the recent Environment Council recommendations,
which represent a major step forward for developed
countries to reduce climate pollution and
keep global warming below 2 degrees compared
to pre-industrial levels.
On 10th March EU environment ministers agreed
to explore emissions reduction of 15 to 30%
by 2020 and 60 to 80% by 2050 for developed
countries. These go far beyond the reductions
outlined in the Kyoto protocol and according
to WWF represent the levels of cuts needed
for the next Kyoto commitment periods post
2012 and in the longer term.
However, senior figures in EU countries such
as Austria, Italy, Finland, Ireland, Germany
and Belgium are questioning this approach.
"WWF urges the European Council to unconditionally
support the conclusions of their own ministers
and develop a time frame for EU long-term
climate commitments", said Dr Stephan
Singer, head of WWF European climate and energy
policy unit.
"This is what has to be done if the
EU wants to keep global leadership in the
climate change policy. If the European Union
cannot agree on a road map for post-2012 targets,
who could provide global leadership on this
issue?"
WWF believes developed countries should cut
climate pollution by 30% by 2020 and by 60
to 80% by 2050 in order to protect vulnerable
communities, to reduce threats of future heat
waves, droughts and flooding and to limit
damage to unique ecosystems such as the Arctic
and coral reefs.
According to a recent economic assessment
by the European Commission, the benefits of
additional action in the EU to fight against
climate change will outweigh the perceived
costs, while the cost of non-action will be
much higher.
"European Head of States and Governments
should not sabotage the recommendations of
their environment ministers", said Stephan
Singer. "This would undermine the credibility
and the global reputation of the European
Union".
