EU urged to set tougher targets10 October 2011
European environment ministers met today to discuss their position ahead of the next international climate summit in Durban.
The success of the summit in December is crucial for the health of people and the climate.
Friends of the Earth wants the EU to commit to higher emission reductions and stand by the Kyoto Protocol - the only international climate law.
The public wants action
A new poll shows that Europeans are more concerned about climate change than the current financial crisis. And 8 out of 10 people think that green solutions would create jobs. But governments aren't listening.
Scientists say the EU should reduce its emissions by at least 40% by 2020. The current EU target is only 20% - with politicians even failing to agree on a 30% cut.
Instead of taking action, wealthy nations are attempting to avoid their obligations.
At the recent climate talks in Panama, rich countries like the US and Australia pushed to scrap the legally-binding Kyoto Protocol - and replace it with a weaker voluntary system.
Friends of the Earth believes that developed nations like the EU need to act first and fast to avoid catastrophic climate change.
The EU must rise to the climate challenge by increasing its emission reductions targets - and show real global leadership on this issue.
Asad Rehman, Climate Campaigner, Friends of the Earth
We're calling on the European environment ministers to:
- Save the Kyoto Protocol - to ensure legally binding global action.
- Commit to 40% domestic emissions cuts by 2020.
- Scale up funding for developing countries.
Please ask Chris Huhne to push for strong European action on climate change.
