WWF - Environmental Policy News in the EU

France and Spain block measures to reduce fish waste

2009-11-20

Brussels, Belgium – Today’s Council of European Fisheries Ministers are reviewing a technical regulation to address the problem of fish discards (throwing unwanted fish back into the sea to die). This will see the introduction of larger fishing nets, limited fishing seasons and a minimum size for fish caught in the North-East Atlantic, the North Sea, Skagerrak and Kattegat. However it is rumoured that after strong opposition from France and Spain the proposal was rejected.

WWF strongly criticises the lack of political willingness from Member States to provide immediate solutions to the annual depletion of fish stocks and to significantly improve European fisheries. According to estimates, in 2009 40,000 tonnes of North Sea cod will be landed at port and up to 26,000 tonnes thrown back into the sea dead or dying, because they are too small or not profitable enough. This corresponds to an average loss of about 39 million euros and a waste of marine life.

“Action needs to be taken now to save our seas and the fish in it. There is no reason to wait till 2012 for a new reform of the Common Fisheries Policy to address the problem of fish discards, when something can be done today", says Aaron McLoughlin, Head of European Marine Programme at WWF.

Further information:
Aaron Mc Loughlin, Head of European Marine Programme, WWF European Policy Office
Tel: +32 2 740 09 24
Mob: +32 472 94 83 17
E-mail: AMcLoughlin@wwfepo.org

Stefania Campogianni, Press Officer, WWF European Policy Office
Tel: +32 2 743 88 15
Mob: +32 499 539 736
E-mail: scampogianni@wwfepo.org

WWF Disappointed by Poor Energy Efficiency in Buildings Directive

2009-11-18

Brussels, Belgium – Yesterday, the new Energy Efficiency in Buildings Directive (EPBD) was finalised with a highly disappointing outcome. The agreed text reflects neither the ambitions nor the urgency required to put a stop to the waste of energy in European buildings, responsible for 40% final EU energy use and 36% greenhouse gas emissions.

The new EPBD was presented as a breakthrough. Indeed, new buildings will be at nearly zero energy consumption under the new EPBD, and this energy should be supplied by renewables to a very significant level. However, the deadline for nearly zero energy consumption is not until 2021, and new construction accounts for just a very small percentage of all buildings (1% per year).

Contrary to the previous text, this Directive covers all buildings irrespective of size, starting in 2013. Still missing are clear targets requiring Member States to renovate their existing building stock in a specific time frame. Also, no additional financing was foreseen either from EU or from national budgets to speed up renovations.

“Unfortunately there is no provision at all which ensures that laggard Member States will improve their building regulations. As a consequence, citizens will continue to spend a lot of money to warm the climate instead of their homes”, says Arianna Vitali, Energy Policy Officer at WWF.

Further information:
Arianna Vitali, Policy Officer, Energy Efficiency in Buildings, WWF European Policy Office
Tel: +32 (0)2 743 88 16
E-mail: avitali@wwfepo.org

Stephanie Rhomberg, Communications and Press Officer Climate & Energy, WWF European Policy Office Tel: +32 (0)2 743 88 06
E-mail: srhomberg@wwfepo.org

Finally, an Agreement for the EU Energy Labelling Directive - for now

2009-11-17

Brussels, Belgium - It took many months of negotiations, but finally an agreement on the new Energy Labelling Directive has been found - which might very well be the only positive thing to say about the outcome. The Trialogue parties decided for a new scale with an upper limit of A+++, at least until the Energy Labelling Directive is revised again in 2014.

“No matter how we look at it, there is nothing positive about introducing three additional A-grades. Our goal should be to make energy efficiency an easy choice for consumers. Instead, decision makers are buying time until the next revision of the Directive in 2014“, says Mariangiola Fabbri, Energy Policy Officer at WWF.

“Already now, the text introduces a possibility of reclassifying the labels during the next revision – which clearly shows a lack of confidence in the new system. We can only hope that despite all the back and forth on labelling, consumers will learn to identify the most efficient products and even more so, buy them.“

The same hope can not be maintained when it comes to the purchases of Member States. The European Parliament tried to introduce an obligation to buy only the most efficient products in public procurement procedures – in vain.

For further information:
Mariangiola Fabbri, Energy Policy Officer, WWF European Policy Office
Tel: +32 2 743 09 36
E-mail: mfabbri@wwfepo.org

Stephanie Rhomberg, Communications and Press Officer Climate & Energy, WWF European Policy Office
Tel: +32 2 743 88 06
Mob: +32 495 273 319
E-mail: srhomberg@wwfepo.org

Atlantic bluefin trade ban now vital as tuna commission fails to take action again

2009-11-15

Porto de Galinhas, Brazil: The Atlantic tuna commission today came up with only inadequate or delayed actions to ensure the recovery of the eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna, global conservation organization WWF warned today. Saving the tuna will now depend largely on an international trade ban due to be discussed in March.

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas today endorsed a proposal from its chair, the EU, Japan, Morocco and Tunisia to drop the 2010 eastern bluefin quota from 19,500 tonnes to 13,500 tonnes, still far too high to enable stock recovery.

A key study presented to ICCAT in Recife showed even a strictly enforced 8,000-tonne quota would have only a 50 per cent chance of achieving a recovery in eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna by 2023 and another ICCAT study showed only a total fishing halt yielded significant chances of the bluefin population to recover enough to no longer qualify for high-level trade restrictions by 2019.

It is now more than ever necessary for member countries of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to line up behind global trade restrictions on Atlantic bluefin tuna. CITES is to consider a Principality of Monaco proposal that bluefin be listed for the highest level of trade restrictions at a meeting in Doha next March.

“Today’s outcome is entirely unscientific – and entirely unacceptable,” said Dr Sergi Tudela, Head of Fisheries at WWF Mediterranean. “This reduction of allowable catch is not based on any particular scientific advice to recover the stock with high probability – it is just an arbitrary political measure and only for one year. Now more than ever WWF sees a global trade ban as the only hope for Atlantic bluefin.”

Dr Tudela said a new provision for a 2011 fishery closure if the fishery was detected as being at serious risk of collapse was difficult to reconcile with the scientific committee’s recent data that the stocks are already at less than 10-15 per cent than unfished levels. “The trends for bluefin tuna are very clear and we need to act on the forward view rather than the rear mirror view to avoid collapse,” Dr Tudela said.

WWF had lobbied the meeting for a fishing suspension and determined action against illegal fishing, estimated to considerably inflate the most recent (2008) catch estimates of 34,120 tonnes. During the Recife meeting almost all harvesting countries were formally identified by ICCAT for breaking its rules – like EU tuna fattening farms accepting fish without proper documentation.

The massive overcapacity of industrial fleets in the Mediterranean also continues to hamper conservation efforts, yet the problem remains insufficiently addressed by the tuna commission.

The season for industrial fishing for bluefin tuna with purse seine fleets was reduced from two months to one, but remains open during the peak of the spawning period of 15 May to 15 June when the tuna are most vulnerable. ICCAT also continued to ignore long-standing calls to establish sanctuaries in key bluefin tuna spawning grounds such as the Balearic Islands off Spain.

“Common sense says that a trade ban supported by a temporary fishing closure is currently what is needed for the recovery of Atlantic tuna,” Dr Tudela said. “To close the fishery is what ICCAT needed to do to save the tuna and to save its own reputation.”

Dr Tudela called on CITES member countries “not to be fooled by ICCAT’s promises to save Atlantic bluefin tuna in the coming years. We have seen too many empty promises in ICCAT’s forty years of not conserving tuna. The tuna commission has failed in the most crucial moment of its history – how can it be expected of anything better? Now is the time for action elsewhere”.

Adding more fuel to the compelling case of ICCAT’s overall failure, contracting parties endorsed a further two years of the use by Morocco of illegal driftnets to catch swordfish. The nets, known widely as ‘walls of death’, kill 4,000 dolphins and 25,000 sharks in Mediterranean waters every year.

Bans on driftnets are covered in a large array of international agreements dating back to 1992 and including the UN, ICCAT, the EU which is the main market for the Moroccan swordfish, and Morocco itself.

“This year all contracting parties talked of the need to restore ICCAT’s credibility, and to do so they endorse the slaughter of 50,000 more sharks and 8,000 dolphins, violating UN resolutions? It is beyond belief, and is one more proof of the total dysfunction of ICCAT as a serious fisheries management organization,” said Dr Tudela.

ICCAT was also unable to agree on substantial measures to protect vulnerable shark species.

For further information

Gemma Parkes, tel. +39 346 387 3237, email. gparkes@wwfmedpo.org

Notes to editor

ôInterviews, footage, photos available on request.

ôMore information at www.panda.org/tuna

About WWF

WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.

www.panda.org/media for latest news and media resources

Economists fail to account for ‘natural capital’ – report

2009-11-13

Gland, Switzerland: Many economists are failing to assess the value of their countries’ natural resources, putting billion’s of people’s well-being at risk and contributing to catastrophic species loss, according to a new United Nations Environment Programme report.

The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity for National and International Policy Makers 2009 (TEEB), released today, states that governments must adopt better accounting systems that measure the true value of natural resources, and integrate them in government decision-making.

WWF welcomed the report, urging governments to heed the call to reform their economic policies to halt the destruction of natural resources.

“Governments need to pay attention to this report and start looking at nature in a more holistic way”, said WWF Director of Global and Regional Policy Gordon Shepherd, “With smarter approaches to economics this can change but right now we are paying for their ignorance.”

Investing in conservation, management and restoration of ecosystems will provide economic returns and services to society that outweigh the immediate monetary returns of unchecked use of natural resources, such as the clear-cutting of forests or overfishing, according to the report.

“We are running down our natural capital stock without understanding the value of what we are losing” the report states.

“Degradation of soils, air, water and biological resources can negatively impact on public health, food security, consumer choice and business opportunities. The rural poor, most dependent on the natural resource base, are often hardest hit,” according to the report.

“The problem is that economists do not give market prices for ecosystem services and biodiversity,” according to the study. “This means that the benefits we derive from these goods (often public in nature) are usually neglected or under-valued in decision-making.” “This in turn leads to actions that not only result in biodiversity loss, but also impact on human well-being.”

The report also makes several recommendations for policy-makers.

They include, for example, that policy must address reforming environmentally harmful subsidies – up to a third of which currently support fossil fuel use – and invest in ‘ecological infrastructure’. The latter “can provide cost-effective opportunities to meet policy objectives, such as increased resilience to climate change, reduced risk from natural hazards, and improved food and water security as a contribution to poverty alleviation.”

In addition, Shepherd said businesses must likewise re-evaluate their use of the natural resources on which they depend to ensure their long-term profits. In doing so, they can be part of the solution to current environmental crises, such as species loss and deforestation.

“Ultimately, this must be a wide-ranging effort to re-evaluate natural resources and it must involve everyone, including private industry, governments, international agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity, and indigenous and local people,” said Shepherd. “It will take a concerted effort to make our planet healthy again.”

TEEB’s study on The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity was launched by Germany and the European Commission in response to an earlier G8+5 Environment Ministers proposal to develop a global study on economics of biodiversity loss.

For further information:

- For a copy of the report on Nov. 13, visit www.teebweb.org

- See attached summary of WWF’s Arguments for Protection Series which also look at the economic and social values of protected areas. Full reports are available at: http://www.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/protected_areas/arguments_for_protection/

For interviews, please contact:
- Georgina Langdale, UNEP-TEEB, Tel: +49 228 929 87 572, Mobile: +49 1707 617 138
Email: georgina.langdale@unep-teeb.org

- Gordon Shepherd, WWF International, tel: +41 22 364 9501 mobile: +41 79 456 7959
gshepherd@wwfint.org

About WWF
WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.

www.panda.org/media for latest news and media resources

Eurelectric Study Shows Europe Short on Climate Action

2009-11-10

A new industry-led energy study out today shows Europe has not yet planned sufficient domestic action to help head off dangerous climate change. Eurelectric's ‘Power Choices’ report was developed by Prof. Capros of Athens Technical University and is based on a major update to his PRIMES computer model, the model used by the European Commission for its climate and energy legislation.

The scenarios of the Eurelectric report confirm that last year's EU climate and energy package will not result in long-term emission cuts sufficient to meet overall climate objectives. Additional measures, including the strengthening of existing laws, are essential.

"Eurelectric's report is a wake-up call for Europe's complacent law-makers. It confirms that our domestic policies so far are insufficient to head off dangerous climate change. It's imperative political leaders respond adequately to the existential challenge confronting all of us", said Mark Johnston, Coordinator of Power Plant CO2 Standards at WWF.

Further information:
Mark Johnston, Coordinator Power Plant CO2 Standards, WWF European Policy Office
Tel: +32 2 761 04 20
Mobile: +32 499 539 732
E-mail: mark.johnston@wwf.panda.org

Stephanie Rhomberg, Communications and Press Officer Climate & Energy, WWF European Policy Office
Tel: +32 2 740 88 06
Mobile: +32 495 273 319
E-mail: srhomberg@wwfepo.org

International Energy Agency fails to light the way to a safe climate future

2009-11-10

London: The keenly awaited 2009 World Energy Outlook contains some remarkable analysis but does not light the way to a safe carbon future, WWF said today.

Emissions cuts canvassed in the outlook, the flagship annual publication of the International Energy Agency (IEA), are too small and too slow to keep the world out of the danger zone of unacceptable risks of catastrophic climate change, said Dr Stephan Singer, WWFs Director of Global Energy Policy.

Scientists, the UN and many governments including the G8 group have accordingly endorsed an objective of keeping average global warming less than two degrees Celsius over pre-industrial times - an objective WWF maintains would require developed nations cutting their emissions 40 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020.

But IEAs low emissions scenario sees OECD fossil fuel CO2 emissions down just 4.5 percent from 1990 levels by 2020.

“The proposed CO2 emissions reductions by the IEA for the energy sector of the rich nations are dismal,” Dr Singer said. “The reductions seen as low carbon by the IEA are less even than the inadequate reductions so far on the table from developed nations for the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen next month.”
Also according to the IEA, global energy emissions would be one quarter more in 2030 than in the 1990 reference year.

"World-wide fossil fuel emissions in twenty years must be on a pathway to be reduced to more than 80% below 1990 levels by mid-century to curtail the climate crisis. The IEA's scenarios violate this trajectory," Dr Singer said.

For WWF, with about two thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions, the energy sector has to lead the way to a low carbon future.

And although its alternative lower emissions scenario is clearly inadequate, WWF is pleased that the IEA identifies energy conservation as the measure with the best potential to bring it about.

“The IEA also finds most of the emissions savings mechanisms it identifies will be cost effective through the saving of fuel costs and this is a useful rebuff to those urging slow action or no action on climate on the basis of costs,” Dr Singer said.

“It is a pity that the IEA couldn’t stay up to date with the science on the level of emissions the atmosphere can safely digest and use this to point the way to a fully renewable power sector by mid-century.”
“What they are suggesting is not only dangerous, but it is much below what is technically possible.”

For further information:

Dr. Stephan Singer, Global Energy Policy Director, tel: +32 2 743 88 17; mobile +32 (0) 496 55 07 09 ssinger@wwfepo.org

About WWF
WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.

www.panda.org/media for latest news and media resources

WWF and Green TV join forces to go Inside COP15

2009-11-09

Switzerland/London - November 8th 2009 - As the world's leaders prepare to gather in Copenhagen in December for crucial talks aimed at tackling runaway climate change, WWF and Green TV have teamed up for a ground-breaking online video project aimed at taking audiences Inside COP15.

Inside COP15 will deliver live and on-demand video news coverage throughout the two week UN summit and will report the highs, lows and everything in between in the negotiations for a global climate deal.

Online audiences will be able to experience the atmosphere and the inside stories as well as getting breaking news, expert analysis and commentary. From December 7th to 19th, regular on-demand video podcasts and a daily live-streamed talk show will be available at http://cop15.panda.org and will be syndicated via Green TV, iTunes, YouTube and many other sites.

"Inside COP15 is a major development in the way conferences like the Copenhagen climate talks are reported," said Martin Atkin, Executive Producer for WWF. "Instead of the usual procession of talking heads and grey men in grey suits, we aim to bring the talks to life for those who can't actually be there."

"The world is watching and expecting a fair, fast and effective deal to get us out of the climate change mess," he said. "Our audiences will be able to experience everything from the progress of the negotiations themselves, to the side events, concerts, lobbying and all the colour that goes with such a massive event. WWF is uniquely positioned to be at the heart of the action and to interpret what's going on."

WWF is partnering with Green TV for production, technical and online services as well as the social media campaign. Additional technical, logistic and production support is being provided by Berlin-based Greenfilm.

"More and more people want to watch video online and to interact with what they are watching," said Ade Thomas, CEO of Green TV. "Inside COP15 will allow online audiences to be part of the action, to comment and to contribute. It's the next best thing to being there - in fact it's better, because it will be cold, raining and dark in Copenhagen in December."

Pressure mounts on tuna commission to shut down Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery

2009-11-07

Recife, Brazil – WWF, the global conservation organization, is urging countries meeting in Brazil this week to agree urgently on a temporary fishing ban for the beleaguered Atlantic bluefin tuna, as an essential measure to avoid imminent stock collapse.

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) is gathering in Recife, Brazil for its annual meeting, where the 48 contracting parties are under pressure to decide on measures that will ensure the long-term survival of a species that has long been the victim of illegal and over-fishing, disregard for rules and science, and being targeted by far too many boats.

“WWF wants to see Atlantic bluefin tuna surviving long into the future – both the amazing species and the fishing industry it has supported for thousands of years,” said Dr Sergi Tudela, Head of Fisheries at WWF Mediterranean. “This is ICCAT’s role, to ensure the sustainable commercial exploitation of bluefin tuna, but it has failed spectacularly in this mandate and there is no option left but to stop fishing and let this wild animal recover. It is the only way forward, there is no possible Plan B.”

Even ICCAT’s own analysis shows that a moratorium will give the best chance of recovery to the seriously overexploited bluefin tuna stocks in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean. The organization’s scientific committee analysed fish stocks at a special meeting in October, demonstrating with their data that Atlantic bluefin tuna fulfils the criteria to be listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as proposed by the Principality of Monaco and to be voted on next March – a step that would ban all international commercial trade.

WWF sees the trade ban as a necessary parallel measure to a moratorium on fishing. ICCAT’s scientific analysis also shows that a suspension of fishing is the only measure with a chance of ensuring Atlantic bluefin tuna stocks no longer meet the criteria for CITES Appendix I by 2019.

“Atlantic bluefin tuna stocks are sadly collapsing even faster than ICCAT’s reputation,” added Sergi Tudela of WWF. “For ICCAT to justify its existence and show the world it is capable of responsible fisheries management, how can it do anything but stick to the best available science, close the Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery now and give the fish a breather? Anything else would be a slap in the face to science, a slap in the face to those who care about sustainable seafood, and a slap in the face to ICCAT’s own survival – if there’s no more fish, there’s no more fish to manage.”

The latest science shows that Atlantic bluefin tuna’s spawning population has declined to below 15 per cent of pre-fishing levels – and may even have dropped to under 10 per cent.

Meeting just a year ago, ICCAT’s members ritually tossed overboard the advice of their own scientists and did not even put the fishing closure supported by its own review on the agenda. The tuna commission astonished the world with a scheme for continued overfishing that it labeled a recovery plan but that WWF named a “collapse plan”. In response, increasing numbers of global retailers, restaurants, chefs and consumers are stopping buying, selling, serving and eating this endangered species.

For more information: Gemma Parkes, +39 346 387 3237, gparkes@wwfmedpo.org

Notes to editor
 Footage and photos available on request
 For more on WWF’s tuna campaign, see www.panda.org/tuna

Climate talks: Saying all the wrong things but chance remains to do the right things

2009-11-06

Barcelona, Spain - An ambitious climate treaty can still be achieved in Copenhagen despite most policy makers’ focus on what they cannot achieve rather than what they can do to prevent the worst consequences of runaway climate change, WWF said at the close of inconclusive climate negotiations in Barcelona.

“Politicians seem to be obsessed with expressing what they cannot achieve, rather than setting a high bar for how they will save the world from catastrophic temperature rises,” said Kim Carstensen, the leader of WWF’s global climate initiative. “They are saying all the wrong things but they still have a chance to do all the right things.”

While rich nations have lost their voice in Barcelona, developing countries started to speak in a more united and stronger way.

“Barcelona didn’t achieve much that was spectacular, but it kept the pace of slow, steady progress. The key issue is not time, but political will and that can be shown in a matter of seconds,” Carstensen said. “While developed countries were trying to lower expectations, the world’s expectations were actually rising.”

In WWF's view the Danish Presidency has been an active participant in playing down expectations for a legally binding and enforceable outcome. This needs to stop. “The Danish Presidency must create a level of ambition that corresponds with climate crisis and the will of the major part of the world. “Trying to please the US and other developed countries with vague language will not give us the climate deal the world needs”

Over the past week some developed countries suggested they no longer believe a comprehensive and legally binding treaty can be signed in Copenhagen in December. Suggestions that Copenhagen would end with an agreement that countries could not be held accountable for are completely unproductive, Carstensen said.

“We need a climate treaty which will survive recessions, elections, and natural disasters. Not a piece of paper that will be forgotten after the next change of power in London, Tokyo or Washington.”

Red List update shows up global failure to slow biodiversity loss

2009-11-03

Gland, Switzerland: The latest update of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species should cause alarm over the continuing unprecedented loss of species and the failure so far of mechanisms to arrest biodiversity loss, WWF said today.

The 2009 Red List update, issued today by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, shows more than one-third (36 percent) of the 47,677 species assessed are threatened with extinction. The assessment featured a special focus on freshwater species, which are being hit hard by pollution, loss of wetlands and water diversions. The planet’s amphibians are the most threatened of all species with 1895 of 6285 species assessed in the Red List threatened with extinction.

The Red List ranks species according to their population status and threat levels. It shows the effects that habitat loss and degradation, over-exploitation, pollutants and climate change are having on the world’s species.

“As crucial climate talks in Copenhagen draw near and with the International Year of Biodiversity around the corner, this is a wake-up call for world leaders.” said Amanda Nickson, Director of the WWF International Species Programme. “We are a world away from protecting species from the threats they face and meeting the globally endorsed 2002 commitment of the Convention on Biological Diversity to deliver a significant reduction in the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010.”

“This failure and the mechanisms to overcome it will need to be the dominant agenda item on next year’s meeting of parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity.”

Through its global initiatives, WWF is pursuing major efforts to arrest biodiversity decline in some of the most spectacular and highly diverse places on the planet, and to recover populations of some of the most endangered species, such as tigers.

It is estimated that less than 3200 tigers exist in the wild in a wide arc of countries from far eastern Russia to India and Indonesia. Tigers - a top predator residing at the top of its food chain - occupy less than seven percent of their original range, which has contracted 40 percent from 10 years ago.

As tigers require a large home range, protection of the species and its habitat bring huge benefits to thousands of other species. An international summit scheduled for 2010 in Vladivostok in Russia is a critical opportunity to reverse the decline in tiger numbers and ensure their survival in the wild.

“Tigers are a symbol of what is happening to many species across the globe, and demonstrate the urgent need for the world to come up with the political will, policies, resources and incentives to maintain a living and diverse planet.” said Ms Nickson. “The IUCN is frank that its assessments are likely to understate the real extent of the loss of species.”

Significant international meetings next year to address biodiversity loss and the threats to planetary life support systems include a major Conferences of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Ms Nickson noted that the CBD’s 2010 target had probably underestimated the growing impact of climate change, which is now being increasingly recognised as an additional threat leading species of animals and plants towards extinction.

The assessment of freshwater species continued to alarm, with more than one third of assessed freshwater fishes under threat of extinction and approaching half of all molluscs. In Lake Dianchi in China, the assessment found all seven freshwater snails and 12 of the 13 freshwater fish species new to the Red List were threatened by overharvesting, pollution and introduced fish species.

However, in a rare ray of hope in the new assessment, one freshwater fish, the Australian Grayling has been moved from being listed as Vulnerable to being listed as Near Threatened as a result of conservation efforts which included putting fish ladders on dams, improving streamside vegetation and policing anglers.

For further information: Sarah Bladen, Conservation Communications, t +41 22 3649019, m +41 79 4150220, e sbladen@wwfint.org

For more information please visit www.iucnredlist.org

Global figures for 2009 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species:
• Total species assessed = 47,677
• Total Extinct or Extinct in the Wild = 875 (2%) [Extinct = 809; Extinct in the Wild = 66].
• Total threatened = 17,291 (36%) [Critically Endangered = 3,325; Endangered = 4,891; Vulnerable = 9,075].
• Total Near Threatened = 3,650 (8%).
• Total Lower Risk/conservation dependent = 281 (<1%) [this is an old category that is gradually being phased out of the Red List]
• Total Data Deficient = 6,557 (14%)
• Total Least Concern = 19,023 (40%)

NB: Not all species on the IUCN Red List are threatened. There are now more species on the IUCN Red List. This means that the overall percentage of threatened species has gone down by two percent. This is not because the status of the world’s biodiversity is improving, but because we have assessed more species. In the past, Red List assessments often focused on species that were already thought to be threatened, but as the Red List grows to include more complete assessments across entire groups, we are beginning to have a better idea of the relative proportion of species which are threatened against those which are not threatened.

Too Many A-Grades, Class Dismissed: No Decision on the New Energy Labelling Directive

2009-11-03

Today the Swedish Presidency led what was supposed to be the last Trialogue on the new Energy Labelling Directive for appliances, unsuccessfully trying to reach an agreement with European Parliament and European Commission.

The European Parliament voted for a simple closed scale ranging from A to G in April, however the Swedish Presidency suggested additional A-grades (A to A++++), which would make A-grades accessible to products with low energy efficiency and confuse consumers.

These opposite positions mirror the clashing interests of the industry on one hand, and consumer and environmental groups on the other hand.

“Not everybody deserves an A-Grade. That’s why WWF is very pleased with the European Parliament’s determination to find a solution which serves the best interests of consumers and the environment”, says Mariangiola Fabbri, Energy Policy Officer at WWF.

A new Trialogue on Energy Labelling is yet to be scheduled.

Also upcoming is the last Trialogue to revise the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) on 17 November. Currently, Europe’s buildings account for 40% of EU final energy use - which they waste in large proportion. This energy warms the climate instead of homes, wastes money in the family budget, and increases the EU’s dependence on foreign energy supply for absolutely no benefit to Europe or its citizens.

Further information:
Mariangiola Fabbri, Energy Policy Officer, WWF European Policy Office
Tel: +32 2 740 09 36
E-mail: mfabbri@wwfepo.org

Stephanie Rhomberg, Communications and Press Officer Climate & Energy, WWF European Policy Office
Tel: +32 2 740 88 06
Mobile: +32 495 273 319
E-mail: srhomberg@wwfepo.org

European Council on climate change: Vague messages, no concrete measures

2009-10-30

The European Council opted for vague messages on most of the essential issues blocking international climate change negotiations today, further diminishing hopes on strong European leadership in the global fight against climate change.

“It is especially frustrating that no clear European financial offer to developing countries has been agreed, and that the increase in CO2 emission reduction targets is made conditional upon comparable efforts by other developed countries“, says Jason Anderson, Head of EU Climate and Energy Policy at WWF.

"Europe is being particularly relaxed on mid-term emissions reductions - in order to reach its current 20% reduction pledge, it would actually have to slow the current pace of emissions reductions. What kind of signal about being ambitious on climate is Europe sending to the rest of the world ahead of Copenhagen?"

“We do welcome the new goal of CO2 emission reductions in Europe of 80-95% by 2050: the upper end is in line with what’s needed. To meet that goal, however, we have to pick up the pace.“

The EU’s emphasis on the need for a legally binding agreement is a step in the right direction as is introducing language around innovative financing. This can give impetus to the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Negotiation in Barcelona from 2-6 November as well as the EU-US summit on 3 November which also has climate change as one of the main items on its agenda.

Further information:
Jason Anderson, Head of Climate and Energy Policy, WWF European Policy Office
Mobile: +32 474 837 603
E-mail: janderson@wwfepo.org

Stephanie Rhomberg, Communications and Press Officer Climate & Energy, WWF European Policy Office, Tel: +32 2 740 88 06
Mobile: +32 495 273 319
E-mail: srhomberg@wwfepo.org

Europe's choice: fall behind or forge ahead on climate

2009-10-28

Brussels, Belgium - Europe can choose a path to prosperity on a new economic footing or continue to fumble along the dead end track of propping up fading industries, WWF said today in advance of tomorrow’s key European Council meeting which is expected to largely shape the EU position heading into the UN climate summit in Copenhagen in December.

“The choices on climate change in front of Europe’s leaders on Thursday and Friday are not complicated,” said Jason Anderson, Head of EU Climate and Energy Policy, WWF European Policy Office.

“In a world where other countries are counting the economic costs of climate catastrophe and assessing the economic benefits of new clean energy sources, Europe can either fall behind or forge ahead on the basis of this week’s decisions.

“Europe can support and play a fair role in financing a legally binding climate deal in Copenhagen or it can be a spectator to others taking the opportunities.”

It has been estimated that the global market for environmental goods and services will more than double to around EUR 1.4 trillion by 2020. In the EU, jobs in the environmental sector have already overtaken sectors such as car manufacturing, but this growth is influenced by regulatory certainty globally, regionally and nationally.

“Europe’s dilemma is clearly illustrated by the wildly differing outcomes of the ministerials running up to the Heads of State gathering,” Anderson said. “Economics ministers couldn’t agree on the vital question of helping the developing world adapt to climate change and create its own low carbon economy.

“Environment ministers were the ones out laying the basis of a new economy and a future less fraught with costly climate chaos. It was the environment ministers who pointed out that the European way of handing out carbon pollution permits to big polluters is continuing to stifle the fledgling carbon markets. And it is the environment ministers who are starting to edge towards the binding emissions reductions targets that are going to be necessary.

“WWF – and the world – would prefer that Europe’s leaders go with the clarity of the environmental advice rather than the confusion of the economic advice,” Anderson said.

“Otherwise the bloc that once considered itself the leader on climate and the environment will just slip further and further behind. If they mirror their economics ministers in not being able to make a decision, Europe will end up not even following in any satisfactory way.”

Europe's choice: fall behind or forge ahead on climate

2009-10-28

Brussels, Belgium - Europe can choose a path to prosperity on a new economic footing or continue to fumble along the dead end track of propping up fading industries, WWF said today in advance of tomorrow’s key European Council meeting which is expected to largely shape the EU position heading into the UN climate summit in Copenhagen in December.

“The choices on climate change in front of Europe’s leaders on Thursday and Friday are not complicated,” said Jason Anderson, Head of EU Climate and Energy Policy, WWF European Policy Office.

“In a world where other countries are counting the economic costs of climate catastrophe and assessing the economic benefits of new clean energy sources, Europe can either fall behind or forge ahead on the basis of this week’s decisions.

“Europe can support and play a fair role in financing a legally binding climate deal in Copenhagen or it can be a spectator to others taking the opportunities.”

It has been estimated that the global market for environmental goods and services will more than double to around EUR 1.4 trillion by 2020. In the EU, jobs in the environmental sector have already overtaken sectors such as car manufacturing, but this growth is influenced by regulatory certainty globally, regionally and nationally.

“Europe’s dilemma is clearly illustrated by the wildly differing outcomes of the ministerials running up to the Heads of State gathering,” Anderson said.

“Economics ministers couldn’t agree on the vital question of helping the developing world adapt to climate change and create its own low carbon economy.

“Environment ministers were the ones out laying the basis of a new economy and a future less fraught with costly climate chaos. It was the environment ministers who pointed out that the European way of handing out carbon pollution permits to big polluters is continuing to stifle the fledgling carbon markets. And it is the environment ministers who are starting to edge towards the binding emissions reductions targets that are going to be necessary.

“WWF - and the world - would prefer that Europe’s leaders go with the clarity of the environmental advice rather than the confusion of the economic advice,” Anderson said.

“Otherwise the bloc that once considered itself the leader on climate and the environment will just slip further and further behind. If they mirror their economics ministers in not being able to make a decision, Europe will end up not even following in any satisfactory way.”

For further information:
Jason Anderson, Head of Climate and Energy Policy, WWF European Policy Office
Tel: +32 2 740 09 35
Mobile: +32 474 837 603
E-mail: janderson@wwfepo.org

Stephanie Rhomberg, Communications and Press Officer Climate & Energy, WWF European Policy Office Tel: +32 2 740 88 06
Mobile: +32 495 273 319
E-mail: srhomberg@wwfepo.org

Environment Ministers Start to Pull Europe Back from the Brink of Disaster on Climate Policy

2009-10-21

Brussels, Belgium - Today’s Environment Council intended to move the EU’s position on climate change forward and prepare the road for next week’s European Council as well as the Copenhagen climate talks in December. On the agenda were 2020 and 2050 emissions targets for the EU, as well as the development of policies on forestry, future carbon markets, and other issues.

Following on from yesterday's failure of finance ministers to reach any agreement, the Environment Council overcame internal debate to agree several important points.

They agreed EU 2050 targets of 80-95%; the upper range is consistent with the crucial 2 degree limit, and is the first time this level has been suggested for the EU.

Further, Europe has taken the issue of aviation and maritime emissions reductions a significant step forward by proposing targets, as this area has been missing from international accords until now. The targets being set are too low, but the principle is important.

The text also notes that the excess of credits awash in many countries ('hot air' or excess assigned amount units, AAUs) will damage any future target and needs to be dealt with - which although far too weak, is a compromise that keeps the door open to real treatment of the issue by the European Council.

"Today's result is a matter of deciding if the glass is half full or half empty," said Jason Anderson, head of European climate and energy policy at WWF.

"The top end of 2050 range is good, but the low end is bad. Addressing aviation and maritime emissions is good, but the target is too low."

"Fortunately, Europe's emissions have been dropping fast - by making Europe's decision to go to a 30% cut by 2020 dependent on what other countries do, ministers are essentially saying they'd be happy to slow down our reduction pace to match laggards, while at the same time putting out the option of a big cut for 2050 – it would be madness to pull back from our successes now. In fact, Europe should aim for 40%.

"On a number of crucial issues they have used vague language that fails to make real difference in the negotiations. One the other hand, they didn't abdicate their responsibilities as finance ministers did yesterday. Much now rides on the European Summit next week to resolve the all important finance issue," concluded Anderson.

Media Contact:
Jason Anderson, Head of Climate and Energy Policy, WWF European Policy Office: +32 474 837 603
Stephanie Rhomberg, Communications and Press Officer Climate & Energy: +32 495 273 319

EU Finance Ministers Endanger Copenhagen Deal by Failure to Agree

2009-10-20

Brussels, Belgium - After having remained vague on exact amounts and sources for financing to effectively counter climate change in developing countries, the EUs Economic and Finance ministers failed once again to agree at the Ecofin Council in Luxembourg today.

WWF is deeply disappointed that even after prolonged discussions, the Council was unable to table any conclusions.

"Its six weeks to Copenhagen, developing countries are facing climate disasters, this is not the time to keep stalling", said Jason Anderson, Head of European Climate and Energy Policy at WWF European Policy Office.

Their failure leaves it to the EUs Environment ministers tomorrow, and subsequently the Heads of States at the European Council on 29/30 October to agree on a strong common position. Without this strong common position, EU leadership at the Copenhagen climate talks in December will not be credible, endangering the outcome of the talks.

Further information:

Jason Anderson, Head of Climate and Energy Policy, WWF European Policy Office: +32 474 837 603

Stephanie Rhomberg, Communications and Press Officer Climate & Energy: +32 495 273 319

No public money for fishermen breaking the rules

2009-10-20

Brussels, Belgium - Today, 20 October 2009, the EU Fisheries Council reached political agreement on new rules to stop illegal fishing in Europe’s waters. WWF firmly supports the Control Regulation which creates a common system of rules and sanctions to be applied at national level in Europe.

The new measures will ban EU public funds going to governments and fishermen who continue to break the law.

“Existing rules have been applied poorly or not at all, disadvantaging fishermen and governments who played by the rules. Illegal fishing continues to be a huge threat to healthy fish stocks and profitable fisheries. This reform is the first step towards an effective change in how EU fisheries are managed” says Aaron Mc Loughlin, Head of European Marine Programme at WWF European Policy Office.

WWF strongly believes that measures to tackle illegal fishing inside and outside EU waters are to be implemented as soon as possible starting from the 1st of January 2010.

For further information:
Aaron Mc Loughlin, Head of European Marine Programme, WWF European Policy Office
Tel: +32 2 740 09 24
Mobile: +32 472 94 83 17
E-mail: AMcLoughlin@wwfepo.org

Stefania Campogianni, Press Officer, WWF European Policy Office
Tel: +32 2 743 88 15
Mobile: +32 499 53 97 36
E-mail: scampogianni@wwfepo.org

A Decisive Moment for Climate Negotiations - EU Needs to Lead Now

2009-10-19

Brussels, Belgium - This week, the European Union’s Economic and Finance ministers, as well as the Environmental ministers are meeting in Brussels to prepare the EU’s common position for the Copenhagen climate talks in December. This position needs to be clear and offer breakthrough solutions for the stalemated UN negotiations.

The United States’ slow process of national decision-taking is dictating the timelines and rhetoric of the talks, risking a meltdown in ambition and outcomes. Meanwhile, the EU is relying on past mitigation actions and vague financing promises, rather than propelling the talks forward by seizing the initiative.

“The European Union presents itself as a leader, but hasn’t truly come to grips with what’s needed. Sticking to what we have achieved so far will not suffice, nor will attempts to push most of our responsibilities on to developing countries. To prove leadership and ensure success in Copenhagen, Europe now has to be bold, not calculating,” said Jason Anderson, Head of European Climate and Energy Policy at WWF European Policy Office.

Measures that need to be taken include an increased EU CO2 emissions reduction goal of 40% below 1990 levels by 2020, and 95% by 2050. Since the EU Council formulated its 30% offer in 2007, many countries have made strides in mitigation plans, but the total effort still falls short of what the science says is needed: the EU has to make its stand and keep pushing ahead.

Developing countries also need our help to fight climate change, as the EU has agreed under the UN climate Convention. They will likely face hundreds of billions of euros in costs per year in the coming decades. The EU’s public funding for adaptation and mitigation must total at least 35 billion euros per year, in addition to existing aid flows.

Today’s launch of WWF’s Climate Solutions 2 highlights the urgency of the situation - we have only five years to initiate a low carbon industrial revolution before runaway climate change becomes almost inevitable.

Measures against climate change need to include renewable energy generation, carbon capture and storage, energy efficiency, sustainable low-carbon agriculture and sustainable forestry. With a clean revolution under way and sustained by a strong policy framework all renewable energies would become competitive with fossil fuels between 2013 and 2025, according to the analysis from Climate Solutions 2.

The window of opportunity is closing. Leaders have to keep in mind that further delays will not only endanger our cities, food supplies, natural environments but will also increase the levels of direct intervention needed in the economy. Industries that come on board later will have to grow considerably faster because of the delays in start-up and will be hit harder by constraints on available resources, labour and expertise.

’The fastest industrial revolution in history will need to occur if we are to change to a low carbon economy in time to prevent climate catastrophe - we need to act today’, concludes Anderson.

Media Contact:
Stephanie Rhomberg, Communications and Press Officer Climate & Energy: +32 495 273 319

Spokesperson:
Jason Anderson, Head of Climate and Energy Policy, WWF European Policy Office: +32 474 837 603

Deadlines loom for creating new economy to avoid climate catastrophe

2009-10-19

Gland, Switzerland - The world has just five years to initiate a low carbon industrial revolution before runaway climate change becomes almost inevitable. But the good news is that it can be done and that the long term benefits will be immense, according to a new analysis from WWF.

Climate Solutions 2 (CS2) is the first analysis to put timetables to the industrial transformations needed to limit global carbon emissions to below the 2˚C level scientists identify as presenting unacceptable risks of runaway climate change. It was prepared for WWF by Climate Risk, a company known for its work on climate change for global insurers and infrastructure providers.

The report found that beyond 2014 the feasible upper limits of industrial growth rates will make it impossible for market economies to meet the carbon targets required to keep global warming below 2°C. The report also found that market measures alone will not be enough to deliver emissions reductions on the scale required and that delays will increase the levels of direct intervention needed in the economy.

"Climate Solutions 2 tells us that we need to start making the change to a low-carbon economy today,” said Kim Carstensen, who leads WWF’s Global Climate Initiative. “The transformation will require sustained growth in clean and efficient industry in excess of 20 per cent a year over a period of decades.

“The report's modelling shows how we can sustain these growth rates but also makes it clear this will be the fastest industrial revolution witnessed in our history.

"The findings of this report offer a pragmatic, sobering and urgent warning to world leaders that the window of opportunity to act on climate change is rapidly closing. The time for playing politics with our future is long past."

The way forward, according to the report, is simultaneous action on all greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors, with market measures backed with a full range of other policies including energy efficiency standards, feed-in tariffs for renewable energy and an end to “perverse “ subsidies for fossil fuel use.

According to the report, countries not pursuing all carbon abatement options in all sectors will tend to develop least-cost industries first and only develop other low carbon industries as they become affordable.

Computer modelling and historical records agree that sequential development of industries, which would result from undue reliance on a single mechanism such as a rising carbon price, will make it impossible to meet emissions targets on time. Industries that come online later will have to grow considerably faster because of the delays in start-up and will be hit harder by constraints on available resources, labour and expertise.

"This analysis shows that we can win the fight against runaway climate change by transforming all sectors of our economies concurrently, by creating stable long-term investment environments that don't seek immediate returns and through focusing on key industry sectors,” said Dr Stephan Singer, who leads WWF’s Global Energy Initiative.

The industries that will lead the transformation are renewable energy generation, carbon capture and storage, energy efficiency, sustainable low-carbon agriculture and sustainable forestry. With the clean industrial revolution under way and sustained by a strong policy framework all renewable energies become competitive with fossil fuels between 2013 and 2025 – a highly conservative estimate based on just 2% annual rises in fossil fuel prices and no price on carbon.

"The wind, the sea and the sun will cost the same today, tomorrow and into the future, unlike coal,” said Singer. “They can be the basis for a cleaner world where energy supplies are more secure and where we have the best chance of preventing dramatic climate changes that could endanger our cities, our food supplies and the natural environment that we have always depended on."

Climate Solutions 2 calculates that the extra investment worldwide is expected to be US$17 trillion up to 2050 – or less than 15% of the funds currently managed by institutional investors. The returns on that investment are expected to flow back into investor’s pockets from 2027 and in some cases even earlier.

For renewable technologies, the cumulative investment to 2050 worldwide will total US$7 trillion, but it is expected generate returns to investors of around six times as much.

"Climate Solutions 2 draws a line in the sand that we cannot cross,” said Castensen. “It reinforces that we have reached a pivotal moment in our history where the window of opportunity which remains to prevent runaway climate change will soon disappear entirely.

“Most immediately and importantly, the basis for this transformation has to be laid in Copenhagen in December with a fair, binding and effective new global deal on climate change.”

For further information:

Johanna Sargent, WWF UK, jsargent@wwf.org.uk , +44 1483 412375 ext 375, or mo +44 7867 697 519
Martin Hiller, WWF International, mhiller@wwfint.org, +41 79 347 2256

Spokespeople:
Kim Carstensen, Leader, WWF Global Climate Initiative, k.carstensen@wwf.dk, +45-40-343635;
Dr Stephan Singer, Director, WWF Global Energy Programme, ssinger@wwfepo.org, +32 496 550 709
Dr Karl Mallon, Director Climate Risk Ltd and lead author, karl@climaterisk.com.au, +61 412 257 521