Brussels, 18/02/2005 (Agence Europe) - The Kyoto Protocol on climate change came into force on 16 February amid much enthusiasm and shedding of ink in the European Union (see EUROPE of 17 February, p.11). Environmental NGOs and the Greens/EFA Group at the European Parliament are enthusiastic, but urge the EU not to rest on its laurels, noting that to fulfil its stated aim of playing a leading role in international negotiations on post-2012 measures to combat climate change, it must start by setting ambitious and binding targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
In a joint statement, the Greens/EFA Group at the European Parliament and 18 Green Parties in the EU suggest that 16 February be made the Global Climate Day, to celebrate the historic victory for the planet (of the Kyoto Protocol) and remind everyone that there is a huge task still ahead. They stress, however, that the Kyoto Protocol is only the first stage in the process of combating climate change. In order to find a global solution to ensure global warming does not exceed pre-industrial temperature levels by any more than 2 degrees Celsius (the Framework Convention on Climate Change's long-term objective), they want the EU to set binding medium and long-term targets, namely to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020 and by at least 80% by 2050. In the shorter term, if it is to remain credible in its efforts, the EU has to demonstrate it can reach the target it has set itself of a 8% cut in greenhouse gas emissions between 2008 and 2012, stresses the joint statement. The Greens urge the European institutions and national government to set ambitious and binding energy efficiency targets; - scrap damaging subsidies in the aviation industry and work towards the introduction of an international tax on kerosene; - introduce maximum emission levels for cars and establish a European lorry toll system; - ensure that the new system for trading the right to emit CO2 is more based on the polluter-pays principle. They add that rapid elimination of nuclear energy would release funding so that genuine replacement solutions can be found.
The Greens believe that the United States' 'irresponsible attitude' can in no way be used as an excuse for Europe to delay in taking action. The joint statement comments that if the current situation gives rise to an uneven playing field through unfair competition, the EU should not hesitate to lodge a complaint at the WTO against the United States for their refusal to abide by the Kyoto Protocol. The Greens suggest the EU could introduce CO2 customs duties on products from industrialised countries which have not ratified the Kyoto Protocol.
The NGO Friends of the Earth International has hailed the Kyoto Protocol coming into force, but expresses deep disappointment that in its Communication on winning the battle against climate change of 9 February 2005, the European Commission did not unveil any binding targets for further reductions in greenhouse gas emissions post-2012 (see EUROPE of 10 February, p.8). Friends of the Earth feels that Kyoto was an important first step, but it is vital that serious work is carried out in the future at international level, noting that it is time for rich countries to take action before it is too late. It goes without saying, added FoE, that the as the world's greatest polluting country, the United States must play its part, and the EU must continue to act as a leader and not sit back to see what the others are going to do, argued Catherine Pearce. Friends of the Earth wants the EU to act as the engine for concerted action by industrialised countries to move towards the target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. The NGO believes that industrialised countries whose growth was based on the burning of fossil fuels should contribute to the funding of development in the South, and phase out subsidies on fossil fuels and subsidise cleaner energy instead.
European employers hope to see agreement on truly global strategy before 2012
European employers' organisation Unice stresses that the coming into force of the Kyoto Protocol should be used to encourage new efforts in the direction of a global framework of as many countries and regions as possible, to ensure the competitiveness of European industry is not jeopardised. Unice comments that although the Kyoto Protocol has been ratified by 141 countries, it does not include any reduction pledges by many of Europe's biggest competitors. In the long-term, international negotiations should continue with all parties to analyse alternative models and approaches and draw up an international strategy, supported by all. This should be agreed well before 2012 in order to give European industry the confidence it needs to make long-term investment and boost R&D, said Philippe de Buck, Secretary General of Unice.