Brussels, 10/01/2007 (Agence Europe) - At Wednesday's adoption of the EU's energy package by the College of Commissioners (see other article), the European Commission put forward the political options it is outlining to both the EU and whole world in an attempt to step up the fight against climate change after 2012 when the Kyoto Protocol comes to an end. The communication, “Reducing Climate Change by 2 Degrees Celsius - The Road to Follow up to 2020 and Beyond” will be presented at the next European Spring Council on 8-9 March for approval by Member States at the highest level.
In an effort to provide a global and urgent response to a global problem, the Commission is seeking to set up an international system for fighting climate change that involves the maximum number of countries. To this end, it is proposing that in the international negotiations on the climate, the EU obtains an agreement from all industrialised countries on a 30% reduction in their green house gas emissions by 2020 (compared to 1990 levels, the reference year), as a stage toward cutting overall emissions by 50% by 2050 (60%-80% for developed countries). At the same time the Commission is proposing that the EU and its Member States now make a firm and unilateral commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% by 2020, without waiting for the international negotiations to come to an end. The EU aim is to: limit the rise in global temperatures by 2 degrees Celsius compared to industrial age levels, in compliance with the long term UN Framework Convention Agreement on Climate Change in an effort to mitigate the long term effects of the phenomenon and reduce the probability of major an irreversible disturbances to the planet's eco-system
The communication comes with an impact assessment demonstrating that this goal is technically feasible and economically viable if those mainly responsible for emissions act swiftly. Benefits largely outweigh the economic costs.
José Manuel Barroso, Commission president informed the press that: “ambitious and credible targets to reduce emissions after 2012. And this will make it possible to get a very clear message across that the future of our planet is a serious business. (…) Investments today will be of benefit to our children and our grandchildren”. Stressing the urgency of acting to ensure that the “2° Celsius target” is reached, Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs said an overall target for 2020 is essential as it gives a clear indication of the kind of investment that should be made. This objective will also be a powerful sign for continuation of the emissions trading scheme and will allow each and everyone to calculate the price of carbon. Stavros Dimas, Environment Commissioner, recalled that the fight against climate change was a priority of the German Presidency, the spring summit and the G8, stressing the need to speed up post-Kyoto international talks so that negotiations can begin. Time is running short for avoiding any interruption in effort after 2012 but the EU cannot settle the problem of climate change all on its own, said Dimas, adding that the aim is to reach an international agreement. “Our system of emission quota trading aims to integrate other developed countries”, he said, pointing out that, in 2020, emissions from developing countries will exceed those of industrialised countries. The aim on which the Commission urges the EU to commit itself will make it possible to come to grips with a situation where there is no international agreement that goes any further, the Commissioner said.
Anticipating somewhat the criticism on the lack of ambition in the 20% reduction in European emissions (and not the 30% originally planned), Mr Dimas defended the Commission's proposal. This was, he said, the first time a group of countries had unilaterally proposed a figure. He went on to say that a year ago the Council had asked the Commission to consider the various reduction scenarios from 15% to 30% with other countries, with no talk of a unilateral commitment. The Commission was now proposing a target at the highest level of the range for industrialised countries, and a unilateral commitment to reduce for the eight years after 2012, double the current commitment (a reduction of 8% under the terms of the Kyoto Protocol). He said it was a huge leap forward towards a low carbon economy.
To grant the EU the means to realise this ambition, the Commission was proposing a whole series of measures, including:
- extending the Community emission exchange system to other sectors, such as aviation, and other greenhouse gases than CO2, which represents only 17% of total EU emissions (the proposal to include the aviation sector has to be approved by the Council and Parliament, and the Commission will soon present a proposal for reviewing the system). In addition to the extension of the system, this review would provide for a quota allocation period of over five years, to ensure that there is some predictability, account taken of carbon capture and geological storage, harmonisation of procedures for allocating Member states' quotas to ensure a level playing field throughout Europe, and alignment of the Community emissions exchange system with other similar binding systems, such as the ones in place in California and Australia.
- new measures to combat climate change, such as limiting transport emissions, whose constant increase largely cancels out the reductions obtained in the waste, energy and manufacturing sectors. Among other measures, the Commission will, on 16 January, present a legislative proposal to constrain car manufacturers to reduce private car CO2 emissions down to 120g/km by 2012, a target they will not achieve through their voluntary code, and possibilities for further reductions after 2012 will be studied. Greenhouse gas emissions from road transport of goods and maritime transport will also by the target of new reductions. C02 emissions generated by fuels during their life cycles are also expected to be reduced through increased development of sustainable bio-fuels.
- Initiatives in energy policy such as the 20% objective in renewable energies by 2020, the improvement of energy efficiency and toll and carbon geological policy (see other article).
The Commission underlines that economies in energy of 30% are possible in residential and commercial buildings. It also explains that governments are looking at specific energy policies for social housing.
The impact assessment accompanying the Commission communication indicates that an EU action in the area of climate change will considerably enhance EU energy supply security (a reduction in oil and gas imports of 20% by 2030, compared to current situation), will significantly contribute to the fight against air pollution: a 10% reduction in C02 emissions of the EU by 2020 would generate enormous benefits of between €8-27bn in health care savings. The Stern report, cited by the Commission on the cost of inaction (between 5 and 20% of GDP) is convincing demonstrating the urgent need to take action. (an)