Posted on February, 20 2007

Brussels, Belgium – As part of a European energy policy to combat climate change, EU environment ministers have agreed on continent-wide plans to cut greenhouse gases by as much as 30 per cent.

Despite attempts to water down proposals — particularly by Finland and Poland — the EU Environment Council has backed a unilateral target to cut carbon emissions by 2020 to 20 per cent, and supported a 30 per cent reduction target if other nations would make efforts to control global warming.

In order to stay below an internationally accepted 2°C global warming threshold — and an objective stated by European governments — an overall greenhouse gas reduction of approximately 30 per cent by 2020, and 80 per cent by mid-century compared to 1990 levels, is needed in all developed nations.

“Today’s decision confirms the EU preparedness to fulfil its international commitments,” says Stephan Singer, Head of WWF’s European Climate and Energy Unit.

“However, to build a house with solid foundations, the EU should immediately put in place concrete measures to achieve such targets and have a strategy to both mobilise resources and engage other countries for the period after 2012.”

The next step is for EU heads of state to endorse the proposed targets at the next European Council meeting, scheduled to take place from 8 to 9 March.

For further information:
Dr Stephan Singer, Head of European Climate and Energy Unit
WWF European Policy Office
Tel: +32 496 550 709
E-mail: ssinger@wwfepo.org

Claudia Delpero, Communications Manager
WWF European Policy Office
Tel: +32 2 740 09 25
Mobile: +32 497 406 381
E-mail: cdelpero@wwfepo.org