Archived press release

EU barely budges an inch on climate

11 December 2009

Commenting on the conclusion of the Council of European Heads of State today, Friends of the Earth Head of Climate Change Mike Childs said:

"With the weight of history bearing down on them during crucial climate talks in Copenhagen, it's unacceptable that EU leaders have refused to budge an inch on cutting their emissions.

"Europe has been pumping out carbon with impunity for hundreds of years, so they need to be the ones leading the world out of the climate crisis.

"Their current plan to cut emissions by just 30 per cent, and only if others act too, is both inadequate and riddled with the con of offsetting - which renders it even weaker.

"The science tells us that only a target to cut emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2020 without offsetting will protect our planet and all the people on it from catastrophic climate change."

And commenting on news that EU leaders have agreed to pay 7.2bn euros (£6.5 bn) over the next three years to help developing counties adapt to climate Friends of the Earth's Head of Climate Change Mike Childs said:

"The EU is right to recognise its obligation to help poor nations adapt to climate change - but this latest financial proposal is pitifully inadequate.

"The UN says that developing countries need $500-600 billion a year - Europe's offer will do nothing to stop a steadily rising ocean."

Commenting on Gordon Brown's pledge that the UK will contribute up to $1.4 billion (£800 million) [2] over three years towards the climate fund, Andy Atkins said:

"The Government spends as much money building roads than the £1.5 billion they are prepared to help developing countries deal with a climate crisis we've helped create. It's time he got really serious about saving the planet."

Notes to Editors:

1. At the Copenhagen talks, Friends of the Earth is calling for:

• Rich countries to fulfil their legal and moral responsibility cut emissions first and fast - and pledge to cut emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2020 at home without offsetting

• The leaders of rich countries to abandon their promotion of carbon trading - an irresponsible and dangerous gamble which will do nothing to protect us from catastrophic climate change;

• Proposals to be scrapped which would allow rich countries to buy chunks of forest whilst continuing to pump out emissions: an approach which won't solve climate change or halt deforestation.

2. Downing street website says: To enable immediate implementation of the Copenhagen agreement we support the establishment of a 'fast start' launch fund for 2010-12 which achieves $10 billion annually in 2012. A large amount of this should go to adaptation, especially in Africa, small island states and other poor and vulnerable countries. France and the UK will each contribute their fair share among the advanced economies - around €400 million euros ($600 million dollars) a year. The UK is prepared to go further and contribute up to $800 million dollars a year in the light of offers from others.

2. Helen Baxendale is supporting Friends of the Earth's Demand Climate Change campaign and is available for interview, in London from 7-10 December, and in Copenhagen 12-13 December. She can be contacted through the Friends of the Earth press office - please call Jenny Collins on 020 7566 4093.

3. Friends of the Earth International is also one of the key organisers of the alternative people's summit known as the Klimaforum with allied organisations such as La Via Campesina and the World March of Women. Thousands of voices demanding climate justice will also be presented in a 'climate capsule' exhibition at the Klimaforum and Bella Centre.

4. Friends of the Earth is part of Stop Climate Chaos Coalition, the UK's largest group of people dedicated to action on climate change and limiting its impact on the world's poorest communities. The coalition's supporter base of more than 11 million people spans over 100 organisations, from environment and development charities to unions, faith, community and women's groups. Together we demand practical action by the UK to keep temperatures well below an average 2 degree rise. For further information visit http://www.stopclimatechaos.org/

5. 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 http://www.foe.co.uk/

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust