Brussels, 14/09/2004 (Agence Europe) - What should be the EU's approach to the future international fight against climate change? How should EU countries work together to fight climate change after 2012, when the current Kyoto Protocol's targets end? These questions are part of a web-based stakeholder consultation which the European Commission started on 14 September. The consultation gives an opportunity for stakeholders (citizens, businesses, policy makers, NGOs, authorities, scientists and others) to contribute to the debate on the future of global climate policy. The Commission will use the contributions in the development of the EU's future climate change policy and its contribution to the international debate on the future international climate change regime.
Under the Kyoto Protocol, the EU has committed itself to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 8%, compared to 1990 levels, between 2008 and 2012. The reductions will be a first - albeit vital - step to address the human-induced part of the climate problem, but alone they will not stop climate change. Recent studies indicate that - in order to halt climate change - we need further substantial global emission reductions, reaching up to around 30% by 2025 and 65% by 2050 compared to "business as usual". The Commission points out in a press release that 'the EU will continue to demonstrate its leadership on addressing the challenge of climate change by providing its ideas on the future regime. More clarity on further global action on climate change and the EU's contribution to it will also help EU business, as a stable and predictable international policy environment will provide it with clear indications on how EU policy in this area is likely to evolve.' "Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our generation", said Environment Commissioner Margot Wallström. "The first Kyoto commitment period will end in 2012. Already now we need to prepare what comes after… It is important that we base our contribution to this discussion on the knowledge and expertise available in society and that we take into account what citizens think. This stakeholder consultation will help us maintain the EU's leadership in the fight against climate change and define the EU's contribution, based on science and enjoying wide support."
The stakeholder consultation should provide input to the Commission's climate change report to the Spring Council 2005, which will discuss future global and EU climate change policy. The Commission's report will synthesise the benefits and costs of medium and longer term strategies. All interested parties are invited to make substantive contributions through the web-based forum “Action on Climate Change post 2012.” The forum will be open for submissions until 31 October 2004. The Commission also envisages holding a stakeholder conference in mid-November.