The European Commission adopted a communication setting out future policies of climate change.
It also includes a set of proposals designed to structure the future negotiations of the EU with its global partners over climate change policies after 2012 when the first commitment period under the Kyoto protocol ends. These proposals open the door to bring major emitters but also rapidly emerging economies on board. The communication also suggests maritime transport and aviation as sectors that must be included in a post-2012 regime.
Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said, “Fighting climate change is not a matter of choice, but a matter of necessity. We will continue to lead by example, but we will also continue to pressure hard for all of our international partners to come on board. I am convinced that it is still possible to keep to our commitment of limiting temperature increases to a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius. What is more, our projections indicate that the costs associated with the post-2012 strategy as outlined today are manageable for our economies.”
The Commission document underlines that the transition to a climate-friendly society offers economic opportunities for the EU, reinforcing its Lisbon agenda. Proposals are made on how to develop increased energy efficiency and security of energy supply, including an increase in EU spending on research, and the development of new climate-friendly technologies for which demand is growing. This Commission communication has been requested by EU heads of state and government, who will be discussing medium and longer term reduction strategies including targets at the Spring Council.
murdok | Breaking eBusiness News
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