Posted on September, 20 2018

Brussels, Belgium - 20 September 

WWF deeply condemns the falsely-alarmist approach put forth by BusinessEurope in a leaked memo that cast a light on how one of Brussels biggest lobbies plans to undermine the European Commission’s climate strategy ambitions.
 
Imke Lübbeke, Head of Climate and Energy at WWF's European Policy Office reacted to BusinessEurope’s memo: “The exposed climate strategy of Europe’s largest business and industry federation is irresponsible, narrow minded.  Climate change is a challenge unprecedented in human history, and the window for limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C is closing rapidly. 
 
The ‘case’ BusinessEurope is trying to make is--simply-put--outdated in terms of economic arguments, and out of touch with industry trends. Their tactics go against a number of forward-looking companies who are seizing the opportunities of a climate-proof economy and have committed to do their share to meet the Paris Agreement targets, from investing in industrial decarbonisation innovations, divesting their assets from fossil fuels, to heavily investing in clean energy."
 
The EU is in the process of developing its long-term climate strategy to reflect the Paris Agreement targets. This plan could heavily impact all emissions and energy targets set for the EU until 2050. We, at WWF have urged the European Commission to develop an overarching plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions in Europe by 2040.


Contact:
Alexandra Chevalier, Communications & Media Officer (Climate & Energy)
WWF European Policy Office
achevalier@wwf.eu