Archived press release

EU countries must aim higher on cutting carbon

9 December 2009

Commenting in advance of the meeting of European Heads of Government for the European Council in Brussels on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 December, which will discuss climate change and emissions targets for the EU - with implications for ongoing negotiations for the UN climate talks - Andy Atkins, Executive Director of Friends of the Earth, said:

"The EU likes to think of itself as a leader on climate change - now is the time for real leadership, not more grand rhetoric and empty promises.

"A pledge to unilaterally cut emissions by 30 per cent by 2020 will increase momentum in Copenhagen but is still far short of what is required.

"This target will be riddled with billions of tonnes of carbon offsetting, which would effectively halve the emission cuts they've already put on the table.

"Carbon offsetting is a con which shifts the burden of cutting emissions to the developing world, when we should really be taking urgent action to green the way we live in Europe.

"The EU must urgently commit to slashing its emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2020, without offsetting - and provide new money for developing countries to grow cleanly and adapt to the effects of climate change already causing suffering for millions of people."

Today Friends of the Earth, in partnership with the Stockholm Environment Institute, is launching to the Copenhagen conference research showing scientifically for the first time how the EU can cut its emissions by 40 per cent by 2020 without resorting to damaging measures like nuclear power, biofuels or carbon offsetting.

Using detailed modelling, the study describes a comprehensive pathway for Europe to achieve these emissions cuts through a combination of slashing energy waste, phasing out fossil fuels by shifting towards renewable energy, and lifestyle changes such as travelling by train rather than plane.

Friends of the Earth is demanding that the Government changes its approach to climate change with its Demand Climate Change campaign. The green campaign group is asking everyone to sign its international petition to world leaders for a strong and fair climate deal at www.demandclimatechange.org.

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. The full report 'Europe's Share of the Climate Challenge: Domestic Actions and International Obligations to Protect the Planet' is available at:
http://www.sei-international.org/?p=publications&task=view&pid=1318

3. Friends of the Earth believes that a 40% cut in emissions by 2020 should be measured against a baseline of 1990 emissions.

4. The Stockholm Environment Institute is an independent, international research institute working on environment and development issues. The institute's goal is to bridge science and policy on sustainability.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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 www.stopclimatechaos.org.

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