Archived press release

EU Council meets ahead of Cancun

27 October 2010

Speaking in advance of the EU Council meeting taking place on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 October, at which heads of government will discuss the EU's negotiating position ahead of the next major round of UN climate talks in Cancun, Mexico, Friends of the Earth's Senior International Climate Campaigner Asad Rehman said:

"The EU has a crucial opportunity to kick-start the UN climate talks in Cancun when they open next month.

"It is vital that the EU reiterates its unconditional support for strong legally- binding emissions cuts under a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol - anything less will leave the world in grave danger of catastrophic climate change and put the lives of billions of the world's poorest people in jeopardy.

"The EU must end its support for expanding carbon markets, which could create a global speculative bubble in carbon trading - a double whammy of financial and environmental disaster.

"The EU must put new money on the table to enable developing countries to cope with the impacts of climate change and grown cleanly, and commit to cutting its emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2020 without offsetting.

"The EU was a world leader in tackling climate change and must find the political will to become one again - even if that means leaving the US outside of any subsequent climate agreement."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1.   Friends of the Earth is calling for rich countries to commit at least $200 billion of new money annually to help developing countries cope with the impacts of climate change and grow using green technology, to be administered by the UN.

2.   Friends of the Earth is supporting the campaign for a tax on financial transactions - a Robin Hood Tax - to provide finance for developing countries to develop cleanly and adapt to the effects of climate change. For further information visit www.robinhoodtax.org.uk

3.   Friends of the Earth believes the environment is for everyone. We want a

healthy planet and a good quality of life for all those who live on it. We inspire people to act together for a thriving environment. Over 90 per cent of our income comes from individuals so we rely on donations to continue our vital work. For further information visit www.foe.co.uk

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust