EU Ministers Meet Today To Debate Increasing GHG Cuts To 30% From 1990 Levels By 2020

[hatrack]

Gee, I wonder what they'll do . . .

European environment ministers will meet in Brussels later today to debate whether the EU should increase its greenhouse gas emissions target for 2020 to a 30 per cent reduction against 1990 levels. The meeting follows the release yesterday of a joint declaration by many of the largest businesses in Europe urging ministers to formally upgrade the EU target from the current 20 per cent cut.

The statement was signed by 29 European companies from across a wide range of sectors, including BNP Paribas, BSkyB, Capgemini, Centrica, Crédit Agricole, GE Energy, Johnson Controls Inc, Google, Marks and Spencer, Nike, Philips Lighting, Sony Europe, Swiss Re, Thames Water and Vodafone. The three-page declaration, which was organised by The Climate Group think tank, The Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership, and WWF Climate Savers Programme, argues there is a strong economic case for the EU to adopt more demanding targets.

"Moving to a 30 per cent emissions reduction target is a win-win for Europe, " it states. "As well as the numerous economic and social benefits of cutting greenhouse gas emissions, it will spur innovation and investment thus creating millions of new jobs in a low-carbon economy, with the global low-carbon goods and services sector estimated to be worth over €3.4tn (£2.97tn) and growing rapidly."

The statement counters a series of protests from industrial trade groups who have warned that increasing the EU's medium-term emission targets would drive up costs for carbon-intensive industries and damage European competitiveness, particularly if other countries such as the US and China fail to agree to more ambitious targets.

EDIT

http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2271493/eu-ministers-meet-decide-fate

[NickB79]

1. Have any of them on pace to hit their previous targets yet?

While we're wishing for things, I want a pony.

[muriel_volestrangler]

3. The EU is on target for the 20% reduction by 2020, yes

•• The EU‑27 has committed to reduce its GHG emissions by at least 20 % by 2020 compared to 1990
levels and to increase this commitment to a 30 % reduction if other major emitting countries agree
to similar targets
•• Based on the latest emission data, the EU‑27's 2009 emissions stand approximately 17.3 % below
the 1990 level and therefore very close to the bloc's target of cutting emissions 20 % by 2020.
•• Current emission levels and projections show that the EU‑27 is well on track towards achieving
its 2020 reduction target of 20 % with domestic emission reductions only, provided that Member
States fully implement the Climate and Energy package adopted in 2009.

http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/progress-towards-kyoto

[Dead_Parrot]

4. I'll hold a meeting with my cat...

...see if we can get you one.

[kristopher]

2. This is EXCELLENT news.

Nothing is more effective than creating solid market signals telling industry that the move to a noncarbon energy system is inevitable.

The previous targets have produces very rapid improvements in renewable technologies and very rapid reductions in costs; this will build on that and continue the trend towards making the move away from carbon an economically solid decision for consumers in the near term as well as the long term.