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
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