WWF - Protecting the Mediterranean Environment

WWF applauds first management plan for Mediterranean fisheries

2013-05-17

Split, Croatia – As the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) closes its annual meeting today, WWF applauds the organization for adopting the first comprehensive management plan ever to guarantee the sustainable exploitation of key Mediterranean fish stocks.

"WWF congratulates the GFCM for adopting, for the first time ever, a management plan for a Mediterranean fishery, after repeated calls from scientists on the need to conserve Mediterranean stocks. The Mediterranean is one of the most overexploited seas globally, with 100% of demersal fish stocks assessed as overfished. It was high time for such a decision to be adopted", said Dr. Sergi Tudela, Head of the Fisheries Programme at WWF Mediterranean.

The management plan, tabled by the EU, was adopted for the small pelagic fishery in the Adriatic Sea. The most important target species of this fishery are anchovy and sardine, which represent 99% of the total catch of small pelagics in the Adriatic (small pelagics represent approximately 46% of the total marine fish caught in the Adriatic Sea). The management plan includes so-called "harvest control rules", a procedure whereby fishing effort is automatically adjusted according to the status of the fish stocks.

"The management plan for the pelagic fishery in the Adriatic has to be seen as a first step. We need now to develop a new management framework for the entire region", added Tudela

Despite this good news for the Adriatic, however, WWF expresses its disappointment in the lack of support by most GFCM Contracting Parties for a general reduction in fishing effort in bottom trawling and net fisheries. The status of Mediterranean demersal stocks targeted by these fisheries is catastrophic. Just as an example, according to the scientific committee of the GFCM this year the fishing mortality of hake in the region is 4 to 11 times greater than levels considered to be sustainable..

In addition, no measures were adopted for sardine in the Gulf of Lions, in spite of scientists assessing the stock as collapsed.

"In spite of the mixed outcome of the meeting, WWF hopes the good news of the first substantial management plan adopted by GFCM after 64 years of existence means the start of a new era in the management of fish stocks in the Mediterranean", concluded Tudela.

More information / Contact:
Chantal MENARD - cmenard@wwfmedpo.org - Tel +39 346 235 7481

Note to editors: the GFCM - General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean - is the international body in charge of fisheries management in the region. The GFCM meets annually to adopt management recommendations that are binding for its 23 members along with the European Union, and is one of the oldest Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMO) in the world, having been established in 1949.

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Fisheries deal fails to bridge gap with ambitious European Parliament

2013-05-15

Brussels, Belgium: After pulling yet another all-nighter, fisheries ministers unfortunately remained predictable with little effort being made to meet the European Parliament half way on their ambitious proposal to save fisheries in Europe.

"The devil is in the detail as they say, but in this case it's the lack of detail, as fisheries ministers decided on a legally neutral text with few binding timelines and concrete measures. If implemented it would enable them to continue badly managing our oceans and ruining our fish stocks for yet another decade." says Roberto Ferrigno, WWF's Common Fisheries Policy reform coordinator.

"On the opposite side of the coin, the European Parliament demands an ambitious reform that would deliver new fishing laws aimed at restoring fish stocks, through transparency, fixed timelines, accountability and enforceability"

"This new law that is currently in the making will be used for the next 10 years to protect our oceans and fish stocks. A new WWF analysis¹ shows that recovery of fish stocks could take more than 100 years under current proposals by EU Fisheries Ministers, whereas with the Parliament's offer, it could only take 10 years for 75% of the stocks to recover – the latter is by far the better deal and it's what we urgently need", concludes Ferrigno.

The council has dealt its cards and it is now up to the European Parliament, led by MEP Ulrike Rodust, to decide whether they accept the so-called 'compromise' that the council is offering - or whether they reject it and stand their ground by sticking to their ambitious position for reform. It remains to be seen if they will use their new co-decision powers to say "no deal now is better than a bad deal for the next 10 years", or not.

Ending overfishing may take more than 100 years says WWF analysis of EU proposals for fish stock recovery

2013-05-13

Brussels, Belgium: New scientific analysis from environmental organisation WWF reveals recovery of European fish stocks will take more than 100 years under current proposals by EU Fisheries Ministers.

"No law can end overfishing in one fell swoop but Ministers appear to be actively sidelining stock recovery", says Roberto Ferrigno, WWF's Common Fisheries Policy project coordinator. "For the sake of fishermen, coastal communities and the health of our oceans, Ministers must set targets for the fastest possible recovery. 100 years plus is too long."

Two out of three fish stocks in European waters are considered overfished. Ambitious reform of Europe's Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) could reverse this situation over the next 10 years. But core elements of the reform package relating to discards, subsidies and stock recovery are under dispute, and negotiations between the European Parliament and Fisheries Ministers over what shape future EU fishing laws should take, may collapse.

Parliament wants to reduce fishing activity to allow stock recovery by 2020, with stock size and catches managed according to the principle of 'maximum sustainable yield' (MSY). WWF analysis suggests implementation of Parliament's ambitious proposals, could result in the recovery of three-quarters of overfished European stocks within the next 10 years.

In contrast, Fisheries Ministers want to reduce fishing pressure gradually without any binding measures before 2020, resulting in an uncertain century-long recovery process.

"Procrastinating until 2020 would sanction continued overfishing," says Ferrigno. "Ministers risk losing perhaps the last opportunity to ensure Europe once again has healthy and economically viable fisheries." Currently, European fisheries produce only about 60 percent of what could be landed if stocks were allowed to recover.

CFP reform is faltering due to contrasting socio-economic interests of individual Member States. "Some fishing nations want to maintain the status quo and thwart reform," says Ferrigno. "Real change is hanging by a thread. Failure to deliver now will be a massive setback in the fight against overfishing, threatening the health of our oceans as well as the future of the fishing industry."

The upcoming Fisheries Council meeting on May 13-14th may be the last chance Ministers have to collaborate with Parliament, revive the CFP reform process, deliver meaningful targets for stock recovery, and end overfishing.

For further information:

WWF EUROPEAN POLICY - www.wwf.eu/fisheries

ALEXANDRA BENNETT, Communications Director, WWF European Policy Office, abennett@wwf.eu, +32 477 393 400

ROBERTO FERRIGNO, Common Fisheries Policy Project Coordinator, WWF European Policy Office, rferrigno@wwf.eu, +32 497 433 688

Civil society, citizens, children, fishermen and politicians urge Fisheries Ministers to "get on board and end overfishing!"

2013-05-13

For photos from the "All aboard!" live action in Brussels go to: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjF4vYfK

"All aboard!" online action - Tweet your Fish Minister: http://allaboard.panda.org/

13 May 2013 - Brussels, Belgium: this morning civil society, citizens, children, fishermen and politicians met in front of the Council building in Brussels, where Fisheries Ministers are meeting over the next two days, to urge them to put an end to 30 years of ocean mismanagement and "get on board to end overfishing!"

The reason for concern is that political negotiations have hit a deadlock: the European Parliament endorsed a far-reaching overhaul of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) by 507 to 137 votes in February, whilst the Council on the other hand, has been unwilling to propose any kind of acceptable compromise.

NGOs said "Time is running out and there is a real danger the reform process may stall or worse still collapse, if Fisheries Ministers continue playing chicken. Ministers are not being asked to do the impossible; many fishing nations outside Europe have outlawed overfishing and worked to rebuild their fish stocks."

Since the trilogue negotiations started, the Parliament's negotiator, MEP, Ulrike Rodust, has signalled that she would be prepared to compromise, but that a significant strengthening of the Council's position would be needed to broker a deal. However the reluctance of some countries, including France, Spain and Poland, to find common ground with the Parliament on key issues of the reform is threatening the negotiations.

"We are calling on the fisheries ministers to back fish stock recovery by 2020, reduce fishing capacity in accordance with agreed guidelines and support financial penalties for countries that fail to implement agreed rules and abandon loopholes that weaken the proposed discard ban", said the NGOs

"Sustainable fishing is possible but governments need to reform the rules to stop destructive overfishing. The low impact fishing that we practice is the future", said Gerry de Ruiter – a Dutch fisherman from LIFE, a new network of Low Impact Fishermen in Europe.

"For the first time ever, Europe and its politicians recognise the importance of artisanal fisheries; and artisanal fishermen support the proposed reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, even if it not a perfect one. If nothing is done to stop overfishing, careers linked to artisanal fisheries will likely disappear, which would be disastrous for our fishing activity and jobs. Artisanal fisheries represent 80% of fisheries and the majority of fishing jobs in Europe", said Christian Decugis, a fisherman from the South of France and a founding member of "MEDARNET", a Mediterranean artisanal fishermens platform.

The European Commission and Parliament, as well as millions of EU citizens, fishermen, businesses and chefs who rely on healthy fisheries, support this reform and want to see an end to the misuse of taxpayers' money and improvements in enforcement and fisheries control.

BirdLife Europe – Caroline Jacobsson - http://europe.birdlife.org

Fish Fight – Adam Scott +44 (0) 774 841 8552 - www.fishfight.net

Greenpeace – Mark Breddy +32 (0) 496 156229 - www.greenpeace.eu

Oceana – Angela Pauly +32 (0) 2 513 22 42 - http://oceana.org

OCEAN2012 – Mike Walker +32 (0) 476 622575 - http://ocean2012.eu

Paintafish – Fernanda Balata +44 (0) 796 905 0524 - www.paintafish.org

WWF – Alexandra Bennett +32 (0) 477 393 400 - www.wwf.eu

Source of the article

EDITORS NOTES

Agenda EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting 13-14 May 2013

Background note EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting 13-14 May 2013

	European Parliament position (6 February 2013)	Council position (26 February 2013)
Stock recovery	Seeks to eliminate overfishing by 2015 to recover fish stocks above levels that can produce the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) by 2020 at the latest.	Seeks to eliminate overfishing by 2015 "where possible" and in other cases, allow overfishing to continue until 2020; does not include any stock recovery target.
Fleet capacity	Member States are to: i) report their fishing capacity annually by fleet segment, using Commission guidelines to ensure the quality of reporting is improved; ii) to reduce fleet overcapacity; and iii) subsidy payments are to be suspended if a country has not complied with above.	Member States are to: i) report their fishing capacity annually by fleet segment, but rejects the mandatory use of agreed Commission guidelines; ii) opposes suspensions of subsidies to countries that have not reported or failed to reduce their fishing capacity.
Low-impact fishing	Promotes low-impact fishing methods, including through preferential access to fishing quotas.	Opposes preferential access for fishermen that use low-impact fishing methods.
Discards	Has expressed zero tolerance for discards; wants discard ban to apply to all fish species.	Accepts only a partial discard ban for species governed by a quota or a minimum landing size (which is the case for just 15 per cent of stocks in the Mediterranean) and is pushing for major loopholes, including a maximum discarding rate of 7-9 per cent.

European Parliament position (6 February 2013)

Council position (26 February 2013)

Stock recovery

Seeks to eliminate overfishing by 2015 to recover fish stocks above levels that can produce the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) by 2020 at the latest.

Seeks to eliminate overfishing by 2015 "where possible" and in other cases, allow overfishing to continue until 2020; does not include any stock recovery target.

Fleet capacity

Member States are to:

i) report their fishing capacity annually by fleet segment, using Commission guidelines to ensure the quality of reporting is improved;

ii) to reduce fleet overcapacity; and

iii) subsidy payments are to be suspended if a country has not complied with above.

Member States are to:

i) report their fishing capacity annually by fleet segment, but rejects the mandatory use of agreed Commission guidelines;

ii) opposes suspensions of subsidies to countries that have not reported or failed to reduce their fishing capacity.

Low-impact fishing

Promotes low-impact fishing methods, including through preferential access to fishing quotas.

Opposes preferential access for fishermen that use low-impact fishing methods.

Discards

Has expressed zero tolerance for discards; wants discard ban to apply to all fish species.

Accepts only a partial discard ban for species governed by a quota or a minimum landing size (which is the case for just 15 per cent of stocks in the Mediterranean) and is pushing for major loopholes, including a maximum discarding rate of 7-9 per cent.

Last chance to recover Mediterranean fish stocks

2013-05-10

Split, Croatia – The Mediterranean ranks high on the list of the most overexploited seas globally, with 100% of demersal fish stocks assessed as overfished by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM)1. As the organization opens its annual meeting in Croatia, WWF calls on the GFCM to urgently adopt a first set of comprehensive management plans, in particular in the Adriatic, to guarantee the sustainable exploitation of key Mediterranean fish stocks.

"This is the last chance to act before it is too late, said Dr. Sergi Tudela, Head of the Fisheries Programme at WWF Mediterranean. With current fishing mortality often assessed at several times the sustainable levels, it's high time for the GFCM to rise to the challenge and ensure the recovery of Mediterranean fish stocks via ambitious management plans".

Most Mediterranean fish stocks are in a highly critical condition. As an example, hake fishing mortality is currently 11 times its sustainable level. In the Gulf of Lion, according to scientists, the stock of sardine has collapsed and in the Adriatic the fishing mortality of red mullet is 3.5 times its sustainable level and that of sole 5.5 times its sustainable level.

"The inescapable emergency for the GFCM this year is to adopt a first set of comprehensive management plans addressing the sustainable exploitation of some of the fish stocks identified as overexploited by the GFCM Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC). WWF also believes the GFCM should ensure that management plans for all remaining stocks under its mandate are adopted within a clear timeframe", added Tudela.

WWF calls on the GFCM to adopt plans which include scientifically-based adaptive rules as well as strong fishing effort and fleet capacity reduction measures where appropriate. Such plans should be based on the co-management model, fully considering ecosystem and social issues.

According to WWF, priority action should be taken before it is too late in the Adriatic, given the advanced level of research in this area and the still healthy status of sardine and anchovy stocks there.

"Given the critical status of much Mediterranean stocks, measures should be adopted without delay. The increasing quality and quantity of scientific advice produced by the GFCM, along with the recent adoption of clear management guidelines, shows that such measures are both possible and necessary", concluded Tudela.

More information / Contact:
Chantal MENARD - cmenard@wwfmedpo.org - Tel +39 346 235 7481

Note to editors: the GFCM - General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean - is the international body in charge of fisheries management in the region. The GFCM meets annually to adopt management recommendations that are binding for its 23 members along with the European Union, and is one of the oldest Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMO) in the world, having been established in 1949.

--ENDS—

WWF's Earth Hour City Challenge takes flight as cities aim to create climate friendly lifestyles for urban dwellers

2013-04-30

Gland: As the UNFCCC working group tasked to discuss the scope, structure and design of the new 2015 global climate agreement convenes in Bonn this week, WWF urges delegates to recognize and gain inspiration from the key role cities are playing in the transformation toward a sustainable, 100% renewable energy future.

WWF invites cities in 15 countries to participate in the internationally acclaimed Earth Hour City Challenge 2014.

"The UN climate change negotiation process is currently seeking inputs and support from all sectors of society and from all levels of government in order to fertilize the ground for an effective 2015 global agreement and to significantly step up climate change action before the entry into force of that agreement, says Christiana Figueres, UNFCCC Executive Secretary.

We can all be inspired by what many cities are doing to curb emissions and adapt to climate change. It is essential that these shining examples be better known so that people working in the international, national and business arenas recognize the possibilities and are stimulated to do more – and faster – to respond to the climate challenge."

Although urban dwellers currently account for over 70% of global CO2 emissions, cities also have the potential to create conditions for climate smart and sustainable lifestyles, allowing the world's population to live well within the boundaries of our one and only planet.

WWF's Earth Hour City Challenge was designed to highlight and reward cities that are prepared to make substantial long-term efforts to combat global warming. WWFs goal is to mobilize action and support from cities in the global transition towards 100% renewable energy.

"The world needs immediate and ambitious climate action on all possible levels if we are to avoid the risks inherent in increasing global temperatures," says Jim Leape, Director General of WWF International. "A global, binding climate agreement is essential, but cities also can and are playing a crucial role in getting on with the task of reducing emissions."

In 2013, 66 cities from Canada, India, Italy, Norway, Sweden and the USA participated in the first international Earth Hour City Challenge by reporting their commitments, performance, completed or ongoing actions, as well as climate action plans. In March, six cities (Vancouver, New Delhi, Forli, Oslo, Uppsala, San Francisco) were selected by an expert jury* as Earth Hour Capitals in their respective countries.

The City of Vancouver was later awarded the title Global Earth Hour Capital 2013 for its outstanding holistic and strategic approach - specifically its impressive transportation strategy, solid actions on the impact of food and progressive neighborhood energy plan, to climate action during an award ceremony in Malmö, Sweden in March.

Cities in 15 countries, including six from the previous round as well as Brazil, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Korea and Indonesia will participate in the upcoming round of the Earth Hour City Challenge, which will be run by WWF in collaboration with ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability and the Swedish Postcode Lottery.

"Earth Hour City Challenge has clearly demonstrated that global level of ambition can be easily raised with ambitious local leaders and actions. Now it is the responsibility of national governments to tap this potential into the new global climate regime," said Gino Van Begin, Secretary General of ICLEI, the focal point of local governments at the UNFCCC.

Cities will be asked to register their data on carbonn Cities Climate Registry (cCCR), an internationally recognized carbon reporting platform managed by ICLEI which will be open for reporting from May – October 2013. Strategies will then be evaluated by an international jury, and in March 2014, the city with the highest overall score will be awarded the title Global Earth Hour Capital.

*Earth Hour City Challenge Jury 2013
•Gino van Begin, Secretary General of ICLEI
•Martha Delgado, General Director of the Secretariat of the Global Cities Covenant on Climate
•Amanda Eichel, Director of Initiatives and City Support, C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group
•Christiana Figueres, UNFCCC Executive Secretary
•Simon Giles, Senior Principal Intelligent Cities, Accenture Global, Accenture
•Dan Hoornweg, Professor and Jeff Boyce Research Chair, University of Ontario Institute of Technology
•Pietro Laureano, architect and urban planner, UNESCO consultant
•Conor Riffle, Head of CDP Cities

2030 Climate & Energy package: EU Ministers must re-energise Europe

2013-04-22

Brussels, Belgium: Ahead of today's joint meeting between Europe's Energy and Environment ministers in Dublin, Jason Anderson, Head of Climate and Energy for WWF's European Policy Office said:

"Energy and Environment Ministers must leave behind Europe's dirty past and prepare for a clean future by advancing a package of 2030 targets for energy savings, renewable energy and emissions reductions. By doing so, they will help to secure Europe's long-term economic competitiveness, the security of our energy supplies, and the quality of our environment."

"These ministers must not follow the weakness of the European Parliament's vote on the EU ETS and succumb to the lobbying of vested interest from big producers and consumers of fossil fuels. If they do so, they will be locking Europe into decades of inefficient technologies that will force us to spend hundreds of billions euros importing the coal, oil and gas that damage our health and the health of our planet."

Further information:

Jason Anderson
Head of Climate & Energy
WWF European Policy Office
janderson@wwf.eu
Phone:+32 2 740 09 35
Mobile:+32 4 74 837 603

Audrey Gueudet
Communication and Media Officer
WWF European Policy Office
agueudet@wwf.eu
Phone: +32 2 743 88 06 |
Mobile: + 32 4 94 032 027

World-leading innovative minds head to Abu Dhabi for the first TEDxWWF in the region

2013-04-09

Prestigious community event offers the chance to explore new solutions-oriented sustainable ideas under its 'One Planet Living' theme

United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, 9 April 2013: Abu Dhabi will play host to the world-renowned TEDxWWF conference under the theme 'One Planet Living' in May 2013. Based on the international TED conferences devoted to "ideas worth spreading", TEDxWWF is a non-profit event which allows for the exchange of innovative and sustainable ideas to the global community.

Coming to the United Arab Emirates for the first time, TEDxWWF is the third in a series of international events organised by WWF, with its first event in Geneva in 2011 and its second event in Singapore in 2012.
To-date, Emirates Wildlife Society in association with WWF (EWS-WWF), who is hosting the event, has confirmed six speakers covering a range of topics from; innovation, renewable energy through to sustainability and art. The stellar line-up includes Andy Ridley, the CEO and co-founder of one of the world's largest grassroots movements: Earth Hour, and Andreas Keller, the brainchild behind one of the most novel developments in using renewable sources in slums to provide a solution to energy poverty.

Sudhanshu Sarronwala, Executive Director, Communications and Marketing of WWF International, said: "TEDxWWF is an important event which brings together local and global experts from a range of disciplines and fields, who are committed to promoting sustainable living as a way of life".

Ida Tillisch, Acting Director General of EWS-WWF, said: "We believe this platform will enable the selected inspirational speakers to share insightful, relevant ideas and encourage other individuals to support or even seek more sustainable solutions in their daily lives. "

Additional speakers at the event include; Ginger Dosier Krieg, the inventor of the bio-brick revolutionizing the building materials industry; Lucy Orta, a contemporary visual artist who tackles ecological and social issues through art; Majid Al-Qassimi, a UAE National veterinarian who is a vocal environmentalist; and Sara El Sayed, a certified Biomimicry professional and outdoor environmental educator.

Ms Tillisch added: "We encourage anyone with an interest in finding solutions to the sustainability issues our planet is facing to apply to attend, or gather a group of friends to watch the speakers in the comfort of their home. All talks will be screened live via the internet on the day."

TEDxWWF will take place at the Sofitel, Abu Dhabi on Tuesday May 21, 2013. A limited number of tickets are available to the public and interested parties need to fill out an online application following which a registration form will be issued: www.tedxwwf.com

To live stream TEDxWWF on May 21, log-on to www.tedxwwf.com.

TEDxWWF in Abu Dhabi is organized with the generous support of Etihad, ADMAF and Sofitel

WWF: Maintenance of fossil fuel subsidies is a global scandal, supporting IMF findings

2013-03-28

Gland, Switzerland – The continued maintenance of fossil fuel subsidies is a global scandal and governments should work to transform these subsidies into financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy, says WWF, responding to a report released today by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The IMF report, Energy Subsidy Reform: Lessons and Implications, shines a much needed light on the dark side of fossil fuel subsidies.

The IMF assessment shows that global fossil fuel subsidies – including carbon pollution impacts from fossil fuels – account for almost 9 per cent of all annual country budgets, amounting to a staggering US$1.9 trillion, much higher than previously estimated. And importantly, says WWF Global Climate & Energy Initiative leader Samantha Smith, the report confirms that the poorest 20 per cent of developing countries only marginally benefit from energy subsidies.

"Removing these subsidies would reduce carbon pollution by 13 per cent. This would be a major step toward reducing the world's carbon footprint. Maintenance of these subsidies is a global scandal, a crime against the environment and an active instrument against clean energy and technological innovation. We strongly support transforming fossil fuel subsidies into an effective scheme for financing energy efficiency and renewables and making sure that the poor in developing countries benefit appropriately and receive clean, affordable and reliable energy," she says.

The IMF findings show that almost half of fossil fuel subsidies occur in OECD nations. The US, with about US$500 billion annually, accounts for more than one quarter of all global fossil fuel subsidies, followed by China with almost US$300 billion and Russia (US$115 billion).

WWF Global Energy Policy Director Stephan Singer says industrialised countries are responsible for the lion's share of fossil fuel subsidies and should act now to stop them. "If they were to abolish those subsidies and reform towards renewables and energy efficiency investments, it would more than triple present global investment into renewables," he says. "And that is what is needed for a world powered by 100 per cent sustainable renewables."

For more information please contact

Mandy Jean Woods, mwoods@wwf.org.za / +27 82 553 4211 (please send SMS if urgent) @MandyJeanWoods
Sam Smith ssmith@wwf.no / @pandaclimate
Stephan Singer ssinger@wwf.epo

Only targets can ensure success of a 2030 climate and energy framework

2013-03-27

Brussels, Belgium: Ahead of today's publication of a European Commission Green Paper on a 2030 framework for climate and energy policies, WWF calls for a level of ambition that will protect the planet, based on lessons learnt from past successes and failures.

The Commission's commitment to extending the current legislative framework beyond 2020 is an important and necessary step. However, the Green Paper notes carbon reduction levels that would only achieve 80%, instead of the 95% emissions reductions needed by 2050. In addition, the anticipated 30% share of renewable energy by 2030 underestimates the real potential of clean energy in the EU [1]. Most concerningly, the failure to deliver energy savings, because of a non-binding 2020 target, is not adequately addressed.

Jason Anderson, Head of Climate and Energy at WWF European Policy Office, said:

"The history of EU policy is littered with the corpses of voluntary targets that died of neglect. Post-2020 climate and energy policy that includes binding renewable energy and energy savings targets will be more effective and less expensive than an approach based on greenhouse gas targets alone, supported by the EU ETS."

The Green Paper is expected to consider the changing context since 2008: the economic crisis, restricted investment, energy affordability, technology development and international commitments.

"Remarkably, this paper overlooks what we've learned about the reason these policies exist: the ever-increasing evidence of the rapidity of climate change", says Anderson. "Unless we avert dangerous global warming, all other goals – economic, social, and environmental – will fail. Competitiveness, social welfare and climate protection are not tradeoffs: not only can we deliver them all, we must."

-Ends-

1. A recent WWF's report entitled "Putting the EU on track for 100% renewable energy" shows that by 2030, the EU could use at least 38% less energy compared to a business as usual projection and generate more than 40% of its energy from renewable sources. The post-2020 climate and energy policies needed to deliver this vision would help the EU to reduce its €573bn external fossil fuel bill and cut its greenhouse gas emissions in half. The Green paper published today is clearly not going in this direction.

Further information:

Jason Anderson
Head of Climate & Energy
WWF European Policy Office
janderson@wwf.eu
Phone:+32 2 740 09 35
Mobile:+32 4 74 837 603

Audrey Gueudet
Communication and Media Officer
WWF European Policy Office
agueudet@wwf.eu
Phone: +32 2 743 88 06 |
Mobile: + 32 4 94 03 20 27

The inspiration of one hour goes beyond the hour

2013-03-25

WWF's Earth Hour has just concluded another record sweep around our planet from Samoa on one side of the International Date Line to the Cook Islands on the other, with hundreds of millions again uniting to send a clear message - we are determined to create a sustainable future for our planet. The event was observed in more than 7000 cities, towns and municipalities in more than 150 countries and territories, with many of the world's best known human and natural landmarks going dark as the backdrop to a multitude of "beyond the hour" activities and initiatives generating outcomes for the movement and the planet on which we live. "What is most important is the ever increasing extent to which Earth Hour's supporters are participating in or taking actions themselves," said Earth Hour CEO and Co-Founder, Andy Ridley. "Now in its 7th year, Earth Hour is maturing from its origins as a consciousness raising event in one city, to a global movement that is not just calling for change but is engaging in it." Russian supporters, who last year helped secure legislation against oil pollution in the seas using the I Will If You Will campaign, now have more than 100,000 signatures on a new petition calling for forest protection; while WWF and Earth Hour partners in Madagascar handed out 1000 wood saving stoves to victims of February's cyclone Haruna, passing significant savings on to families while reducing charcoal producing and wood gathering impacts on forests. From villages in India without electricity being lit up with solar energy for the first time, to Libya where participants took part in an 80-kilometre walk from Gharyan to the capital Tripoli to celebrate Earth Hour 2013 at 8:30PM - people from all walks of life, all backgrounds went to amazing lengths to share what the planet means to them and what they are willing to do to protect it."In Earth Hour, people around the world, from all walks of life, have come together to express their concern about the planet's wellbeing and to take action," said Jim Leape, Director General of WWF International. "I am inspired to see their commitment. Earth Hour has created a global community, and together we really can make a difference." Countries across the world have used Earth Hour as a tool to engage children in environmental issues, with Earth Hour organisers the Society of Wilderness (SOW) continuing to run their year-long education program on climate change in schools throughout Taiwan, engaging over 70,000 students and volunteers. Green Schools in Indonesia are also actively engaged in Earth Hour's beyond the hour campaigns, and Earth Hour was also used to promote the Low Carbon School Network, which incorporates energy-¬‐saving lessons in the curricula of Bangkok Metropolitan Authority-¬affiliated schools, in Thailand. With a call to action to become the generation to change our planet for good, this year's event was marked by public concerts aimed at youth as a platform to share their passion for the environment. A rap concert in Benghazi in Libya, a rock concert in Nepal's second largest city Pokhara, a band concert in Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur, performances in Hanoi, Vietnam and a free reggae show in Kingston, Jamaica were among the key events that took place around the world. In Singapore, where WWF-Singapore's "One Degree Up" initiative for l I Will If You Will has given people a tangible and simple way to help reduce the country's energy consumption, a dancefloor completely powered by kinetic energy generated enough power for an outdoor cinema against the celebrated backdrop of Marina Bay. From Space to Sudan, participants at switch off events were connected along with unknown millions through the power of modern technologies and platforms to unite us in a common purpose.

Canadian Astronaut Commander Chris Hadfield tweeted images from space in celebration of Earth Hour with his unique perspective of seeing cities and natural wonders from above. Russian Cosmonaut Roman Romanenko also sent a video message from space, before one of the most historic moments in the movement's history saw The Kremlin, the official residence of the President, and Red Square plunged into darkness for the first time in celebration of last year's environmental outcome that saw the passing of legislation to protect Russia's seas from oil pollution. "The first time I stepped on the board of the International Space Station and saw the Earth from outside, I was amazed by how beautiful and fragile it was. Our planet is the most precious treasure that we have. It is our home and we fully depend on it. And its existence depends on us as well. It depends on our attitude to it and on how we use its resources," said Romanenko from the International Space Station. Six of China's biggest social media sites with a daily reach of 200 million people also went dark to raise awareness for Earth Hour, and the official Instagram account posted a single image from Sydney's switch off at the Opera House from their Headquarters in San Francisco that generated more than 180,000 Likes. More than 36,000 Earth Hour images were uploaded to the image sharing platform at the time of this writing. Anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela was one of the first to tweet his support, and ushered a timely message given the many reforestation projects around the world tied to Earth Hour's I Will If You Will campaign. "The trees & forests were destroyed exactly because our people were so dependent upon them as sources of energy. #NelsonMandela #EarthHour", he tweeted. Countries and territories participating in Earth Hour for the first time included Palestine, Suriname, Rwanda and Tunisia; where WWF, the Tunisian National Agency for Energy Management and Tunisian Scouts focused celebrations in Habib Bourguiba Avenue, the birthplace of the Arab Spring. Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki inaugurated the event. Celebrities endorsing action for and during Earth Hour included Lionel Messi, Yoko Ono, Amitabh Bachchan, Alejandro Sanz, Imogen Heapand more. As the hour of inspiration reached Latin America, official Earth Hour organisers and WWF-affiliate Fundación Vida Silvestre in Argentina celebrated their campaign to raise support for the passing of a Senate bill to make the 3.4 million-hectare 'Banco Burwood' the biggest Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the country. Incorporating this distinctive marine plateau important to fisheries and birds such as albatross, petrels and penguins will more than triple the proportion of Argentina's Exclusive Economic Zone under protection. For the first time WWF's Earth Hour City Challenge went global and produced 17 finalist cities from six countries. Announced as the first ever Global Earth Hour Capital, Vancouver was recognised unanimously by a jury of experts for its innovative actions on climate change and dedication to create a sustainable, pleasant urban environment for current and future residents. By 2020, Vancouver is aiming for all new buildings to be carbon neutral in their operations; citizens to make over 50% of trips by foot, bicycle or public transport; and the number of green jobs to have doubled. Earth Hour participating landmarks included the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Tokyo Tower, Taipei 101, The Petronas Towers, Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest), Marina Bay Sands Singapore, Gateway of India, The Kremlin and Red Square in Moscow, The Burj Khalifa, The Church of the Nativity (Birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem), Table Mountain, Dubrovnik City Walls, Eiffel Tower, Avenue Habib Bourguiba, The Acropolis, Tower of Pisa, The Spanish Steps, Brandenburg Gate, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, The UK Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Christ the Redeemer Statue, CN Tower, Las Vegas Strip, Times Square, The Empire State Building, Niagara Falls and the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
www.earthhour.org

The inspiration of one hour goes beyond the hour

2013-03-24

Singapore - WWF's Earth Hour has just concluded another record sweep around our planet from Samoa on one side of the International Date Line to the Cook Islands on the other, with hundreds of millions again uniting to send a clear message - we are determined to create a sustainable future for our planet.

The event was observed in more than 7000 cities, towns and municipalities in more than 150 countries and territories, with many of the world's best known human and natural landmarks going dark as the backdrop to a multitude of "beyond the hour" activities and initiatives generating outcomes for the movement and the planet on which we live.

"What is most important is the ever increasing extent to which Earth Hour's supporters are participating in or taking actions themselves," said Earth Hour CEO and Co-Founder, Andy Ridley.

"Now in its 7th year, Earth Hour is maturing from its origins as a consciousness raising event in one city, to a global movement that is not just calling for change but is engaging in it."

Russian supporters, who last year helped secure legislation against oil pollution in the seas using the I Will If You Will campaign, now have more than 100,000 signatures on a new petition calling for forest protection; while WWF and Earth Hour partners in Madagascar handed out 1000 wood saving stoves to victims of February's cyclone Haruna, passing significant savings on to families while reducing charcoal producing and wood gathering impacts on forests.

From villages in India without electricity being lit up with solar energy for the first time, to Libya where participants took part in an 80-kilometre walk from Gharyan to the capital Tripoli to celebrate Earth Hour 2013 at 8:30PM - people from all walks of life, all backgrounds went to amazing lengths to share what the planet means to them and what they are willing to do to protect it.

"In Earth Hour, people around the world, from all walks of life, have come together to express their concern about the planet's wellbeing and to take action," said Jim Leape, Director General of WWF International. "I am inspired to see their commitment. Earth Hour has created a global community, and together we really can make a difference."

Countries across the world have used Earth Hour as a tool to engage children in environmental issues, with Earth Hour organisers the Society of Wilderness (SOW) continuing to run their year-long education program on climate change in schools throughout Taiwan, engaging over 70,000 students and volunteers. Green Schools in Indonesia are also actively engaged in Earth Hour's beyond the hour campaigns, and Earth Hour was also used to promote the Low Carbon School Network, which incorporates energy-‐saving lessons in the curricula of Bangkok Metropolitan Authority-affiliated schools, in Thailand.

With a call to action to become the generation to change our planet for good, this year's event was marked by public concerts aimed at youth as a platform to share their passion for the environment.

A rap concert in Benghazi in Libya, a rock concert in Nepal's second largest city Pokhara, a band concert in Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur, performances in Hanoi, Vietnam and a free reggae show in Kingston, Jamaica were among the key events that took place around the world.

In Singapore, where WWF-Singapore's "One Degree Up" initiative for l I Will If You Will has given people a tangible and simple way to help reduce the country's energy consumption, a dancefloor completely powered by kinetic energy generated enough power for an outdoor cinema against the celebrated backdrop of Marina Bay.

From Space to Sudan, participants at switch off events were connected along with unknown millions through the power of modern technologies and platforms to unite us in a common purpose.

Canadian Astronaut Commander Chris Hadfield tweeted images from space in celebration of Earth Hour with his unique perspective of seeing cities and natural wonders from above.

Christchurch, NZ, taken just after Earth Hour ended. The perfect grid system of the downtown core is clearly visible. twitter.com/Cmdr_Hadfield/...
— Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) March 23, 2013

Russian Cosmonaut Roman Romanenko also sent a video message from space, before one of the most historic moments in the movement's history saw The Kremlin, the official residence of the President, and Red Square plunged into darkness for the first time in celebration of last year's environmental outcome that saw the passing of legislation to protect Russia's seas from oil pollution.

"The first time I stepped on the board of the International Space Station and saw the Earth from outside, I was amazed by how beautiful and fragile it was. Our planet is the most precious treasure that we have. It is our home and we fully depend on it. And its existence depends on us as well. It depends on our attitude to it and on how we use its resources," said Romanenko from the International Space Station.

Six of China's biggest social media sites with a daily reach of 200 million people also went dark to raise awareness for Earth Hour, and the official Instagram account posted a single image from Sydney's switch off at the Opera House from their Headquarters in San Francisco that generated more than 180,000 Likes. More than 36,000 Earth Hour images were uploaded to the image sharing platform at the time of this writing.

Anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela was one of the first to tweet his support, and ushered a timely message given the many reforestation projects around the world tied to Earth Hour's I Will If You Will campaign.

"The trees & forests were destroyed exactly because our people were so dependent upon them as sources ofenergy." #NelsonMandela #EarthHour
— NelsonMandela (@NelsonMandela) March 23, 2013

Countries and territories participating in Earth Hour for the first time included Palestine, Suriname, Rwanda and Tunisia; where WWF, the Tunisian National Agency for Energy Management and Tunisian Scouts focused celebrations in Habib Bourguiba Avenue, the birthplace of the Arab Spring. Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki inaugurated the event.

Celebrities endorsing action for and during Earth Hour included Lionel Messi, Yoko Ono, Amitabh Bachchan, Alejandro Sanz, Imogen Heap and more.

turning all lights out. Will be piano improvising in candlelight now for #Earthhour ustream.tv/channel/earth-... Join me? Xx @ustream
— Imogen Heap (@imogenheap) March 23, 2013

As the hour of inspiration reached Latin America, official Earth Hour organisers and WWF-affiliate Fundación Vida Silvestre in Argentina celebrated their campaign to raise support for the passing of a Senate bill to make the 3.4 million-hectare 'Banco Burwood' the biggest Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the country.

Incorporating this distinctive marine plateau important to fisheries and birds such as albatross, petrels and penguins will more than triple the proportion of Argentina's Exclusive Economic Zone under protection.

For the first time WWF's Earth Hour City Challenge went global and produced 17 finalist cities from six countries. Announced as the first ever Global Earth Hour Capital, Vancouver was recognised unanimously by a jury of experts for its innovative actions on climate change and dedication to create a sustainable, pleasant urban environment for current and future residents. By 2020, Vancouver is aiming for all new buildings to be carbon neutral in their operations; citizens to make over 50% of trips by foot, bicycle or public transport; and the number of green jobs to have doubled.

Earth Hour participating landmarks included the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Tokyo Tower, Taipei 101, The Petronas Towers, Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest), Marina Bay Sands Singapore, Gateway of India, The Kremlin and Red Square in Moscow, The Burj Khalifa, The Church of the Nativity (Birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem), Table Mountain, Dubrovnik City Walls, Eiffel Tower, Avenue Habib Bourguiba, The Acropolis, Tower of Pisa, The Spanish Steps, Brandenburg Gate, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, The UK Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Christ the Redeemer Statue, CN Tower, Las Vegas Strip, Times Square, The Empire State Building, Niagara Falls and the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.

Earth Hour 2014 will take place on Saturday 29 March.

To relive the action of Earth Hour 2013 please visit http://earthhour.org/live

-ends-

See the Earth Hour 2013 Official Video at www.ehour.me/2013ViD
Press images can be downloaded at http://earthhour.org/media-centre/images
Downloadable video footage of the global event is available for download at http://www.earthhour.org/media-centre/videos

Media enquiries:
Benjamin Vozzo, Earth Hour Global E:benjamin@earthhour.org Ph: +65 8223 1728
Mai Tatoy, Earth Hour Global E: mai@earthhour.org Ph: +65 9017 7411

To join the global community head to:

Earth Hour www.earthhour.org
Facebook www.facebook.com/earthhour
Twitter www.twitter.com/earthhour
YouTube www.YouTube.com/EarthHour
Google+ http://plus.google.com/+EarthHour

About Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a global environmental initiative of WWF. Individuals, businesses, governments and communities are invited to join the global community for the world's largest the world's largest voluntary action for the environment that has become the iconic symbol of people's commitment to protect the planet. This year sees a celebration of environmental outcomes generated by its participants around the world.In 2013, Earth Hour's 'I Will If You Will' concept invites individuals and organisations to challenge others to an ongoing environmental commitment beyond the hour. Earth Hour began in one city in 2007 and by 2012 involved hundreds of millions of people in 152 countries across every continent, receiving reports as 'the world's largest campaign for the planet'.

About WWF
WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organisations, with almost five million supporters and a global network active in more than 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.

Earth Hour kicks off as groundswell of inspirational action for the environment builds up around the world

2013-03-23

Singapore - Earth Hour, the lights-off initiative of the WWF that has become the iconic symbol of people's concern and commitment to save the planet, kicked off in Samoa a few hours ago and is on its way across the globe as over 7,000 cities, towns and municipalities across more than 150 countries and territories go dark for an hour of expressed and inspired solidarity.

Even before it started, inspirational stories have started coming in from all over the world. In Libya where Earth Hour is only on its second year, participants have begun the 80-kilometre walk from Gharyan in Northwest Libya to the capital Tripoli to celebrate Earth Hour 2013 at 8:30PM.

Canadian Astronaut Commander Chris Hadfield tweeted from space that he would observe Earth Hour around the world today.

Good Morning, Earth! I'll try and photograph people's efforts during Eartrh Hour today. It's our planet, let's each help a bit.
— Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) March 23, 2013

Former South African President, anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela tweeted and hashtagged his support of Earth Hour:

"The trees & forests were destroyed exactly because our people were so dependent upon them as sources ofenergy." #NelsonMandela #EarthHour
— NelsonMandela (@NelsonMandela) March 23, 2013

Footballer Lionel Messi, who has 43 million fans on Facebook asked them to accept the challenge and join Earth Hour. Gisele Bunchen, Yoko Ono, Miranda Kerr, Alejandro Sanz, Doutzen Kroes, McFly are just some of the other celebrities asking fans to turn off their lights on March 23, 8:30PM.

Leo Messi1 day ago

Acepta el desafío. Súmate a La Hora del Planeta mañana 23 Marzo a las 20:30 estés donde estés - www.facebook.com/earthhour

Accept the challenge. Join Earth Hour tomorrow March 23rd 08:30pm wherever you are - www.facebook.com/earthhour

Earth Hour

Other celebrities to show their support for Earth Hour included X-Factor and singer Judge Dannii Minogue, True Blood star Kristin Bauer, Hollywood actor Peter Henry Fonda and Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan.

#EarthHour coming right up. #dancinginthedark!!!
— Dannii Minogue (@DanniiMinogue) March 23, 2013

Join me and go lights out at 8:30 tonight for #EarthHour. wwf.to/163htcZ via @world_wildlife LET'S DO THIS.ITS GOOD 4Everybody 2 DO
— Peter Henry Fonda (@iamfonda) March 23, 2013

Join me today 8.30 pm @earthhourJoin me today 8.30 pm @earthhour youtu.be/0j1RGajlaTQ #EarthHour - show... fb.me/2crDGRwuj
— Kristin Bauer (@BauervanStraten) March 23, 2013

T 1056 - EARTH HOUR observed from 8:30-9:30 pm in our homes !! Scared Aaradhya a bit, but when told of its importance she understood ! Ha !
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) March 23, 2013

Celebrities such as Pocahontas star Q'orianka Kilcher, musician Alejandro Sanz and Yoko Ono took to Twitter to ask followers to switch off for Earth Hour.

Join me today 8.30 pm @earthhour youtu.be/0j1RGajlaTQ #EarthHour - show your love for the planet, switch off lights for one hour!
— Qorianka Kilcher (@Qorianka) March 23, 2013

Únete conmigo hoy a las 8:30pm La hora del Planeta. Apaga las luces durante una hora @earthhour youtu.be/0j1RGajlaTQ
— Alejandro Sanz(@AlejandroSanz) March 23, 2013

Switch off your lights for EARTH HOUR tonight between 8:30pm - 9:30pm soundcloud.com/yokoono/i-love... More at earthhour.org love, yoko
— Yoko Ono (@yokoono) March 23, 2013

President of Russia Vladimir Putin supported Earth Hour by turning off the lights in his presidential residence – the Kremlin. For the very first time, Moscow's Kremlin and whole Red Square complex, including St. Basil's Cathedral, Historical Museum, and the famous GUM-mall will switched off for Earth Hour at 8:30PM local time. The inaugural switch off at the Kremlin and Red Square becomes more significant given that Russia is where Earth Hour's largest conservation outcome has been achieved so far.

"Tonight is about the celebration of this amazing planet we all share. Lights off is a powerful reminder of what we can do when we work together but it has also become more than that. This year, Earth Hour is delivering meaningful results towards a sustainable future," said Andy Ridley, CEO and Co-Founder of Earth Hour.

Russians have shown how they can positively impact the world we live in when WWF-Russia secured 120,000 signatures which became instrumental in passing a law in Parliament to protect the country's seas from oil pollution. Fuelled by that achievement, WWF secured 100,000 signatures to petition for amendments to the current forest legislation which could be the catalyst for the return of a ban on industrial logging in an area of land twice the size of France.

In Russia's Far East, which has already switched off for Earth Hour, Forestry Department workers together with WWF`s experts are spending the hour in protective forests near the Bikin river, in line with this year's campaign.

"I`d like to spend Earth Hour at home all warm and cozy," said WWF coordinator of Sustainable Forestry, Dmitry Sychikov. "But I had to change the warmth of the hearth for the frosty night in Bikin Taiga. That is our work. It is worth it."

The Kremlin and Red Square join landmarks in more than 150 countries and territories for Earth Hour 2013, with Palestine, Tunisia, Galapagos, Suriname, French Guyana, St. Helena and Rwanda among those joining the global movement for the first time.

Earth Hour has also hit its founding city, Sydney, where in an unusual twist the Sydney Opera House was lit up green, in celebration of its commitment to switch on to renewable energy.

This year Earth Hour Australia is asking participants to "switch off for good" and move to renewable energy.

Other landmarks going dark include: The Sydney Harbour Bridge, Tokyo Tower, Taipei 101, The Petronas Towers, Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest), Marina Bay Sands Singapore, Gateway of India, The Burj Khalifa, The Church of the Nativity (Birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem), Table Mountain, Dubrovnik City Walls, Eiffel Tower, Avenue Habib Bourguiba, The Acropolis, Tower of Pisa, The Spanish Steps, Brandenburg Gate, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, The UK Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Christ the Redeemer Statue, CN Tower, Las Vegas Strip, Times Square, The Empire State Building, Niagara Falls and more.

In a message to the world on the eve of the seventh Earth Hour, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has set the agenda for this year's hour of inspiration.

"We participate with an undimmed determination to take action on climate change. Everyone has a role to play. Governments need to provide the political will, businesses can contribute solutions, and civil society, especially young people, can mobilise global action. Together, let's do our part and shed light on common sense answers for a cleaner, greener world," said Sec-Gen Ban Ki-Moon.

As an open sourced campaign, the WWF affiliated Earth Hour movement uses social media to connect a global community of people inspired to change the world we live in and support from these stars take the campaign to new levels of engagement with young people who will benefit the most from a sustainable planet.

For live updates on Earth Hour 2013 starting Thursday March 21, go to http://earthhour.org/live

Landmarks across the World go dark to celebrate major environmental outcomes for Earth Hour

2013-03-22

MARCH 20 2013, SINGAPORE: From the Sydney Opera House to Table Mountain, The Petronas Towers to The Brandenburg Gate, and The Tokyo Tower to The Empire State Building - a long list of the most recognisable icons across the globe will be participating in Earth Hour 2013 this Saturday March 23 at 8:30PM, as the world's largest movement for the planet celebrates the environmental outcomes generated by its participants around the world.

More than 150 countries and territories will be participating; Palestine, Tunisia, Galapagos, Suriname, French Guyana, St. Helena and Rwanda are among those joining the global movement for the first time in 2013.

The Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore's Marina Bay Sands, The Tokyo Tower, Taipei 101, The Bird's Nest in Beijing, The Gateway of India, the world's tallest building The Burj Khalifa, the Ancient Citadel of Erbil in Kurdistan, Table Mountain, The Bosphorus Bridge, The Statue of David, The Eiffel Tower, The Brandenburg Gate, The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, The UK Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, The Empire State Building, Niagara Falls, Los Angeles Airport (LAX) are some of the key landmarks participating in 2013.

Not only is Russia joining in the symbolic show of support for Earth Hour with around 100 landmarks switching off across 50 cities and towns, its citizens have led the way for Earth Hour showing how they can positively impact the world we live in when WWF-Russia collected 120,000 signatures for a petition to pass a long-awaited law to protect the country's seas from oil pollution last year. The petition, which was part of Earth Hour's 'I Will If You Will' campaign, was then presented to the government and became instrumental in the passing of that law in the Russian parliament.

"Russia has considerably raised the bar for Earth Hour and has become a shining example of the incredible environmental outcomes that can be achieved when people work together and take action beyond the hour," said Andy Ridley, CEO and Co-Founder of Earth Hour.

Fuelled by that achievement, WWF's Earth Hour in Russia then looked at forest protection and now aims to secure more than 100,000 signatures from Russian citizens to petition for amendments to the current forest legislation for Earth Hour 2013. If successful, it will reinstate a ban on industrial logging in an area of land twice the size of France, with protective forests equaling almost 18% of all forest territory in the country. As of this writing, over 85,000 signatures have been secured.

"Through Earth Hour's 'I Will If You Will' campaign, people from all walks of life, from all corners of the globe have been empowered to do what they can – both individually and collectively – to secure a sustainable future for the planet. Russia and Russians have shown how effectively that can be done both during Earth Hour's symbolic gesture of concern and beyond the hour," Ridley added.

It's not only in Russia that conservation outcomes are being achieved through the Earth Hour movement. In Uganda, the first Earth Hour Forest was created as an important first step in the fight against the 6,000 hectares of deforestation that occurs in the country every month. WWF Uganda identified close to 2,700 hectares of degraded land, and set a goal to fill it with at least 500,000 indigenous trees as part of their Earth Hour 2013 campaign.

In Botswana, former President Mr Festus Mogae has made a four-year commitment to plant one million indigenous trees as part of his 'I Will If You Will' challenge and kicked it off by planting 100,000 trees in a severely degraded area in Southern Botswana called Goodhope.

In the US, nearly 35,000 Girl Scouts participated in Earth Hour 2012 through their Save Energy Project by installing 132,141 energy efficient light bulbs in homes and community centres, eliminating 77,553,119 pounds of CO2 emissions, the equivalent to the CO2 sequestration from planting 7,495 acres of trees per year.

And in Argentina, Earth Hour organisers and WWF affiliate Fundación Vida Silvestre Argentina is mobilizing thousands of participants to help champion the passing of a Senate bill to make Banco Burwood the biggest Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the country. If successful, the 3.4 million-hectare MPA will raise the level of protection of Argentina's Exclusive Economic Zone from 1% to 4%.

Landmarks switching off for the first time for Earth Hour this year include Copenhagen's The Little Mermaid and Florence's Statue of David. This is also the first year Cape Town's Table Mountain will switch off on Earth Hour since its ascendance into the New 7 Wonders of the Natural World.

The long list of visually captivating icons that will switch off for Earth Hour includes Sydney's Harbour Bridge and Opera House, the first icons to take part since the campaign's inception in 2007, before landmarks across Asia including the Tokyo Tower, Taipei 101, Bird's Nest (Beijing National Stadium) and Kuala Lumpur's Petronas Towers, celebrate their actions for the planet.

The Indian subcontinent will have the Gateway of India switch off, at the same time as 4 villages in Madhya Pradesh receive solar lanterns, the first form of energy they will ever use. Earth Hour then makes its way through the Middle East, where the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai will go dark for one hour before Earth Hour proceeds to the ancient city of Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan.

In Palestine, Earth Hour will be the first environmental action/event taking place since the UN recognized it as a State, with switch off events taking place at Al-Jundi Square and Palestine Square in Gaza. Earth Hour is being coordinated from both Gaza and the West Bank, with switch off events taking place in Gaza City, and the cities of Nablus, Bethlehem, and Ramallah.

From Tunisia, which officially participates in Earth Hour this year right up to Vaduz Castle, the palace and official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein, Europe and Africa will stand together. Eleven cities and towns in Tunisia will participate in the lights off event, with the main event taking place at Avenue Habib Bourguiba, the historic venue of the initial protests that triggered the Arab Spring. It will be attended by Tunisia's President Moncef Marzouki. Dubrovnik city walls in Croatia, the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Berlin's Brandenburg Gate will also join the world's largest voluntary action for the environment.

Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in London will be the main landmarks in the United Kingdom to go dark. Then Earth Hour makes its way across the Atlantic Ocean to South America, with celebrations in Peru reaching from the Pacific, to the Andes and into the Amazon River, also one of the New 7 Wonders of the Natural World - Iquitos, the city where the Amazon River begins, is taking part.

The Big Apple will also have its most famous landmarks take part with Times Square, and the Rockefeller Center switching off, alongside New York City's famous Empire State Building. The bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip will also go dark for the hour, as well as LAX and Niagara Falls.

The CN Tower in Toronto, Canada will also dim its lights for the sixth year after the city was the second to ever come on board for the campaign. Canada's Vancouver has also been announced as the Global Earth Hour Capital in the Earth Hour City Challenge, for its overall holistic and strategic approach to climate action.

As an open sourced campaign, Earth Hour uses social media to connect a global community of people inspired to change the world we live in. For live updates on Earth Hour 2013 starting Thursday March 21, go to http://earthhour.org/live

Earth Hour 2013 will take place at 8.30pm – 9.30pm on Saturday 23 March

-ends-

For live updates on Earth Hour 2013 starting Thursday March 21, go to http://earthhour.org/live
See the Earth Hour 2013 Official Video at www.ehour.me/2013ViD
Press images can be downloaded at http://earthhour.org/media-centre/images
Downloadable video footage of the global event will be available in four B-rolls for media, covering major regions at http://www.earthhour.org/media-centre/videos

Media enquiries:
Benjamin Vozzo, Earth Hour Global E:benjamin@earthhour.org Ph: +65 8223 1728
Mai Tatoy, Earth Hour Global E: mai@earthhour.org Ph: +65 9017 7411

To join the global community head to:
 Earth Hour www.earthhour.org
 Facebook www.facebook.com/earthhour
 Twitter www.twitter.com/earthhour
 YouTube www.YouTube.com/EarthHour
 Google+ plus.google.com/+EarthHour

About Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a global environmental initiative in partnership with WWF. Individuals, businesses, governments and communities are invited to join the global community for the world's largest the world's largest voluntary action for the environment that has become the iconic symbol of people's commitment to protect the planet. This year sees a celebration of environmental outcomes generated by its participants around the world. In 2013, Earth Hour's 'I Will If You Will' concept invites individuals and organisations to challenge others to an ongoing environmental commitment beyond the hour. Earth Hour began in one city in 2007 and by 2012 involved hundreds of millions of people in 152 countries across every continent, receiving reports as 'the world's largest campaign for the planet'.

About WWF
WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organisations, with almost five million supporters and a global network active in more than 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.

WWF outlines seven sins of dam building

2013-03-21

Rome - On World Water Day, WWF launches a new report criticizing dam projects worldwide that continue to violate fundamental sustainability criteria. In the WWF report, "Seven Sins of Dam Building," numerous dam projects under construction or planned are given a failing review by the conservation organization. Aside from the internationally controversial Belo Monte (Brazil) and Xayaburi (Laos) dams, European projects, such as in Austria and Montenegro, are also on the list. The conservation organization calls for better use of sustainability criteria when planning dams.

"There is usually a lot of noise around large dam projects such as the huge Belo Monte dam in Brazil, but there are also hundreds, if not thousands, of other projects worldwide, including in Europe and in the Mediterranean, which are still not properly planned and bear the same risks in terms of impacts on livelihoods and biodiversity, said Angela Klauschen from WWF Mediterranean.

The 'Seven Sins' outlined in the report include issues with dam location, neglecting biodiversity, environmental flows, social and economic factors, and risk analysis. WWF also notes that dam decisions often blindly follow "a bias to build" without considering better, cheaper, and less damaging alternatives.

In particular, scientific evidence and risk assessments too frequently lose out to one-sided political or economic agendas, according to the report. Subsequently, dams are still planned and built in ecologically high value areas and biodiversity loss is still too often not accounted for. Serious impacts, caused by a change in the natural water flow dynamics or the disappearance of wetlands, are still not given consideration.

G7 companies and engineers continue to not only push projects forward in emerging markets that are unacceptable by global standards, but also in the heart of the European Union and North America, reproaches WWF.

In this respect, the report features the case of the planned Morača dams cascade in Montenegro, which WWF has so far managed to halt. The project poses a threat to Lake Skadar, the largest lake on the Balkan peninsula. It is a designated Ramsar site critical for migratory birds and European waterfowl, which makes it one of the most important bird and fish habitats in the Mediterranean region. The planned hydropower cascade would critically change the seasonal variability of the lake's water level. Building the dams on the Morača River would drastically affect 90 per cent of 280 bird species and a fish population of bleak (Alburnus alburnus), which together with carps (Cyprinus carpio), account for 70 per cent of the total fish catch from the lake.

"In order to guarantee acceptable levels of social and environmental sustainability, dam installations and operations should be stringently checked against sustainability criteria as formulated under the World Commission on Dams or the Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol. Insufficiently performing projects should be improved or halted," added Angela Klauschen.

For further information:
Chantal MENARD – Communications Manager - WWF Mediterranean
cmenard@wwfmedpo.org – Tel +39 346 235 7481

72,000+ people call for real change of EU's agriculture policy

2013-03-12

(Strasbourg, 12th March 2013) As of this morning over 72,000 people across Europe have written to their Members of the European Parliament (MEP) and over 1 million emails have been sent demanding a true reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). This comes ahead of important decisions in the Parliament this Wednesday where all MEPs, for the first time ever, will vote for the next CAP that will last for the next seven years.

Citizens joining in this "email action" are worried that the supposed "environmental" benefits promised in this round of agricultural reform will be non-existent and possibly create a worse situation for nature than we have now. The campaign is asking MEPs to block illegal double payments to farmers for identical activities, to introduce robust greening measures that would financially reward farmers for meaningful environmental work, and maintain existing rules that will uphold environmental safety, animal welfare and consumer health.

Only two weeks into the e-mail campaign the overall result is staggering. It shows that the public is solidly behind WWF's position which calls for public financial support to be directed for farming activities which also maintain the countryside.

Sign on at: www. farmingfornature.eu

Quote from Tony Long, Director of WWF European Policy Office

"The EU Parliament has a historic opportunity during Wednesday's vote to make the right choice and reject the proposals made earlier by its own Agriculture Committee. MEPs need to support coherent "greening "measures that will help restore a natural balance to the countryside and ensure a long-term future for farming."

"Our campaign shows that Europe's public wants a real reform of the agricultural sector. Why should this particular industry be singled out to receive the lion's share of EU public subsidies – over 57 billion euro per year - if at the same time it continues to be a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, a massive user and polluter of scarce freshwater resources at the same time as altering landscapes, often to the detriment of nature? If the 'greening' reform that the public and civil society had come to expect doesn't take place in this seven year round, it might be the last chance agriculture will get to sit at the subsidy table and receive such generous financial hand-outs."

"The results of the email action justify WWF's approach to this campaign. Europeans are angry with how some Parliamentarians on its agriculture committee have steamrolled through a massive policy U-turn. With various food scandals rocking Europe at the moment, farming needs all the public support it can muster. Turning its back on European public opinion in these economically straightened times is not a smart move for the Parliament in its vote next Wednesday or for the farmers it is looking to support."

Where WWF Stands

1.The Agriculture Committee significantly weakened the European Commission's proposal to introduce a set of common good farming practices to be applied by all farmers in the EU in return for CAP subsidies (the so called "greening"). The Committee's proposal would allow Member States to replace the greening practices with weaker measures using questionable certification schemes. In addition to this, the Committee offers further exemptions from greening to many farmers.

2.The Agriculture Committee has proposed illegal double funding for the same environmental measures under both Pillar 1 greening (Direct Payments) and Pillar 2 (Rural Development), article 29. This goes against EU Treaties and is against the good spending of public money and is non-compliant with WTO rules. This could add up to €3 billion of worthless environmental subsidies annually. Money which would be missing for environmental measures in Pillar 2 that go beyond the basic greening requirements and deliver added value.

3.The Agriculture Committee waters down or entirely deletes half of the existing minimum requirements concerning the environment, food safety, animal and public health from cross compliance. The deletion includes legislation, such as the Water Framework and the Pesticides Directives, and public health measures, such as the ban on hormones.

4.The Agriculture Committee does not adequately prioritise High Nature Value farming or organic farming and does not include the necessary positive sub-programmes for these sustainable farming systems, which play a crucial role in protecting the natural environment and supporting rural economies.

5.The Agriculture Committee voted in favour of costly insurance schemes (such as the Income Stabilization Tool) funded by the Rural Development Fund. The Income Stabilization Tool alone could cost up to €11.4 billion while the Rural Development budget is only €12.1 billion annually for 2014-2020. These untargeted support schemes would incentivize risk taking and are only of benefit to insurance companies rather than a support to beneficial farming practices.

SOURCE

Contact: Philippe Carr, WWF European Policy Office,

Media & Communications,

WWF European Policy Office,

Tel: +32 476 25 68 79

E-mail: pcarr@wwf.eu

About WWF

WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with over 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption

EU timber regulation comes into force today - But is it ready to stop the trade in illegal timber?

2013-03-03

(Brussels, 3rd March) As from today the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) will be implemented to address the trade in illegal timber. It asks operators importing or producing timber to identify the country of origin of the timber and its legality. Being the first law of its kind in Europe to counter the illegal timber trade, EU Member States are now being asked to properly implement it.

Despite two years of preparation, it is unclear which countries have introduced complimentary national legislation on time, including the setting of penalties and sanctions, should laws be broken. It also remains to be seen, whether the law will be applied evenly across the EU, as in some Member States illegal actions can result in criminal sanctions and in others it may only lead to a fine.

WWF asks EU Member States to take the enforcement of the EUTR seriously and stop the illegal trade of wood based products in the EU. This includes the introduction of effective sanctions and an inspection system that works. Ensuring that competent national agencies are assigned to oversee the application of the law and that they are sufficiently prepared is essential. This includes sufficient staff and funding to ensure annual controls.

Statement Anke Schulmeister, Senior Forest Policy Officer, WWF European Policy Office

"The introduction of the EUTR was a landmark decision by the EU institutions, but it is meaningless unless it becomes a strong national law. If designated national authorities do not have the ability to properly enforce the legislation the whole system will fall to pieces."

"We must also remember that just because it is legal, doesn't mean that timber products have been produced without destroying valuable forest ecosystems. We have to focus on making sure that timber products in the EU come from sustainable forest sources."

Editor's notes:

Ensuring that competent national agencies are assigned to oversee the application of the law and that they are sufficiently prepared is indispensable if this EU legislation is to work. This includes sufficient staff and funding to ensure annual controls.

Central to the effectiveness of the EUTR legislation will be the system of self-regulation through due diligence systems by companies first placing timber on the EU market, reinforced by a system of regular inspections by a designated national oversight authority.

The EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) gives new responsibilities and trust to operators when it comes to due diligence. But the new regulation is just one part of a policy that supports responsible forest management and trade. What the law does not address is sustainability. It seems to be easily forgotten that the purchase of a legal product does not necessarily stop the destruction of ecosystems; it does not halt deforestation or protect extraordinary habitats, even if it is legal. We need to consider the EU Timber Regulation as a first step in achieving the real goal of responsible forest management and trade.

SOURCE

For a full report please call WWF

Contact: Philippe Carr, WWF European Policy Office,

Media & Communications,

WWF European Policy Office,

Tel: +32 476 25 68 79

E-mail: pcarr@wwf.eu

About WWF

Fisheries Ministers remain unambitious on fisheries

2013-02-27

Brussels, 27 February 2013 - Early this morning Fisheries Ministers adopted their position on the draft basic regulation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) reform.

Commenting on the Council outcomes, Roberto Ferrigno, Common Fisheries Policy project coordinator at WWF's European Policy Office said: "Today Fisheries Ministers agreed to keep an unambitious position on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy. Strong demand to end overfishing and achieve fish stock recovery made by the European Parliament only few weeks ago has fallen on deaf ears, with much work still needing to be achieved during the trialogue negotiations".

Next steps

Following this council, the Irish presidency will receive a mandate to commence the trialogue negotiations together with the European Parliament and Commission.

The basic regulation, however, is only one of three files in the fisheries reform. Already next week trialogues will start on the Common Market Organisation. The third file, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, has not yet been voted by the Parliament.

For further information: www.wwf.eu/fisheries

For interview requests:
ALEXANDRA BENNETT, Communications Director
WWF European Policy Office
E-mail: abennett@wwf.eu
Mobile: +32 477 393 400

ROBERTO FERRIGNO, Common Fisheries Policy Project Coordinator,
WWF European Policy Office
E-Mail: rferrigno@wwf.eu
Mobile: +32 497 433 688

EPC debate over CAP brings in conflicting views

2013-02-14

Civil society makes its claim on reform

Brussels, 14th February - Earlier today the European Policy Centre and the WWF European Policy Office hosted a debate on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy where representatives from the WWF, COPA-COGECA, the European Commission, the Department of Economics at Trinity College Dublin and the Irish Permanent Representation battled it out.

This was the first time many of the institutional and civil society actors voiced their concerns about the future of CAP following the conclusion of the EU Budget Council last Friday.

As the final decision on CAP will be made at the European Parliament Plenary session in March and the subsequent trialogue meetings, MEPs will have to decide on the measures that are compatible with a sustainable agricultural policy. What late chance is there for the core measures that the European Commission brought to the table in 2011 on greening have been stripped away despite the large public support?

Quotes: from the main speakers on the subject, "What are the most important elements that should be taken into consideration for a reform of the Common Agricultural Policy?

Herman Vesteijlen, Director for Common Market Organisations for agricultural products, Directorate General for Agriculture, European Commission:

The main priorities in the CAP reform are now, "To continue the logical line towards market orientation and competitiveness, followed by the present and previous reforms, while meeting society's expectations as regards the respect of high standards regarding quality, production methods and food security."

Dermot Ryan, Agriculture Counsellor, Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU:

"Following the vote by COMAGRI and last week's agreement on the MFF, the Irish Presidency's immediate priority is to conclude a Council negotiating position by the end of March, with a view to reaching an inter-institutional political agreement by the end of the Irish Presidency."

Alan Matthews, Professor Emeritus of European Agricultural Policy, Trinity College Dublin:

"The European Council proposals for EU spending over the 2014-2020 period largely protect CAP spending on direct payments and market support while strongly reducing the budget for rural development spending. If the European Parliament really wants a more modern EU budget, it should seek to protect and increase rural development spending through a corresponding reduction in direct payments in the forthcoming negotiations with the Council."

Shelby Matthews, Chief Policy Advisor, COPA-COGECA:

"The CAP after 2013 must ensure that farmers can continue to provide food security and stability in the face of the new challenges ahead, particularly climate change and increased market volatility. Greening, supplemented by measures to promote green growth under pillar 2, should therefore be geared to enabling farmers to maintain their production capacity and improve their efficiency in an environmentally sustainable way and in a way which helps combat climate change."

Sébastien Godinot, Economist, WWF European Policy Office:

"EU leaders have created a CAP budget that is potentially worse than its current incarnation, with a smaller monetary commitment for Rural Development and a very weak greening of Direct Payments."

"When combined with the European Parliament's AGRI Committee vote in January which killed off any meaningful greening and proposed illegal double subsidies for farmers, and the AGRI Council's refusal to decide on the content of the CAP before knowing its final budget, we have a regime of continued blank cheques for harmful agriculture."

"Ninety percent of EU citizens only want CAP subsidies to be spent if they provide public goods (1). This requires a bigger Rural Development budget supporting environmental measures, and a meaningful greening of Direct Payments. The European Council has failed on both counts. If confirmed, the CAP would lose the little rest of legitimacy it has."

Source of the article

For further information:

Philippe Carr, Media and Communications
WWF European Policy Office
E-mail: pcarr@wwf.eu
Tel: +32 2 740 09 25
Mobile:+32 476 256 879

New policy can put the EU on track to reach 100% renewable energy

2013-02-13

Brussels, Belgium – Today WWF launched a new report – Putting the EU on Track for 100% Renewable Energy [1] – which shows where Europe needs to be by 2030 in order to reach a fully renewable energy system by 2050. It is comes just as the European Commission is beginning to consider post-2020 climate and energy plans.

By 2030, the EU could be reducing its energy use by more than a third and generate almost half of the remainder from renewables. The post-2020 climate and energy policies needed to deliver this vision would help the EU to reduce its €573bn external fossil fuel bill and cut its greenhouse gas emissions in half.

Coming amid an increasingly active debate over what should follow current EU climate and energy legislation (the 20-20-20 package[2]), WWF's report adapts the WWF Global 2050 Energy Scenario[3] to the EU27 level and shows that by 2030 the EU could:

use at least 38% less energy compared to a business as usual projection,
generate more than 40% of its energy from renewable sources,
by doing both, reduce its energy related greenhouse emissions by 50% compared to 1990 levels.

As Europe's economies struggle to recover, renewable energy and energy savings are beacons of hope. Almost 8 out of 10 Europeans agree that fighting climate change can boost the economy and create jobs[4] and 70% of Europeans believe investment in renewable energy should be prioritised over the next 30 years, compared to alternative energy sources including shale gas, nuclear and carbon capture and storage (CCS) plants[5].

"Improving on Europe's 2020 climate and energy targets by introducing an ambitious package of post-2020 measures is a win-win situation for everyone. It would not only help reduce the impact of climate change [6], including huge health and environmental costs, but it would also help to generate up to 5 million jobs [7], significantly boosting the economy," said Jason Anderson, Head of Climate & Energy at WWF European Policy Office.

However, to keep Europe on track, on-going effort and strong political will are needed. The timely adoption of a coherent package of ambitious and binding post-2020 targets for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions reductions is key.

"We must now decide how our energy system will develop after 2020, so that current benefits are maximised, not squandered", added Jason Anderson. "Our report clearly shows that the EU has untapped potential for cutting energy use, taking full advantage of renewable sources that could deliver cheaper and more secure energy, and ensuring that a 100% renewable European energy system by 2050 remains within reach."

-Ends-

Note to the editors:

1.WWF report: "Putting the EU on track for 100% renewable energy" (http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/res_report_final_1_1.pdf)

2.http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/package/index_en.htm

3.In 2011, WWF released The Energy Report based on the specially commissioned ECOFYS Global Energy Scenario. The report showed how, by 2050, the planet's entire energy needs could be met from renewable sources. The first step to reaching this goal is to limit energy use in absolute terms. The second step is to scale up energy supply from current renewable generation technologies (prioritising their delivery in order of sustainability - solar, wind, water, geothermal, and only then bio-energy under strict conditions).

4.Eurobarometer 2011 – Special report on climate change: http://ec.europa.eu/clima/news/articles/news_2011100702_en.htm

5.Eurobarometer report: "Attittudes of Europeans towards air quality", January 2013: http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/flash/fl_360_en.pdf

6.More energy savings and renewable energy are also needed to protect the planet. This summer (2012), more Arctic sea ice melted than ever before - with the result that there was nearly 50% less ice than the 1979 to 2000 average. The record melt was bigger than the previous record by an area about the combined size of Sweden and Finland. Furthermore, research on the impact of continuing to burn fossil fuels has revealed that the health and environmental costs of generating energy in some countries are higher than the value of that energy once it is produced.

7.http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/pdf/nd/eccomm2012_en.pdf

Source of the article

Further information:

Jason Anderson
Head of Climate & Energy
WWF European Policy Office
janderson@wwf.eu
Phone:+32 2 740 09 35
Mobile:+32 4 74 837 603

Audrey Gueudet
Communication and Media Officer
WWF European Policy Office
agueudet@wwf.eu
Phone: +32 2 743 88 06 |
Mobile: + 32 4 94 032 027

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For photos from the "All aboard!" live action in Brussels go to: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjF4vYfK"All aboard!" online action - Tweet your Fish Minister: http://allaboard.panda.org/

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WWF outlines seven sins of dam building

72,000+ people call for real change of EU's agriculture policy

EU timber regulation comes into force today - But is it ready to stop the trade in illegal timber?

Fisheries Ministers remain unambitious on fisheries

Brussels, 27 February 2013 - Early this morning Fisheries Ministers adopted their position on the draft basic regulation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) reform.

EPC debate over CAP brings in conflicting views

Civil society makes its claim on reform

Source of the article

New policy can put the EU on track to reach 100% renewable energy

Source of the article

For photos from the "All aboard!" live action in Brussels go to: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjF4vYfK

"All aboard!" online action - Tweet your Fish Minister: http://allaboard.panda.org/