Archived press release
Go to our press releases area for our current press releases.
Huhne calls for 30 per cent cut in EU emissions
15 July 2010
Speaking in response to the joint announcement by Chris Huhne, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change - and his French and German counterparts - that they support the EU moving to a 30 per cent emissions reduction target by 2020, Friends of the Earth's Head of Climate Change Mike Childs said:
"Calling for a 30 per cent cut in emissions is a positive first step - but Chris Huhne must also ensure the UK shows leadership by unilaterally upping our national target for cuts to at least 42 per cent by 2020, without resorting to dodgy mechanisms like carbon offsetting, providing much greater momentum to move Europe forward."
" To have a reasonable chance of effectively tackling climate change these European Ministers need to be bolder and aim for cuts of at least 40 per cent by 2020 without offsetting.
"This would be world-leading, realistic and affordable, and would send a powerful signal that those countries most responsible for global warming are willing and able to take strong action.
"And cuts of at least 40 per cent would also send a positive signal to investors that the EU is serious about developing a low carbon economy, new jobs and new industries."
ENDS
1. For more information on Friends of the Earth's work on securing strong and fair international action on climate change, visit http://www.foe.co.uk/what_we_do/demand_climate_change_23227.html
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. http://robinhoodtax.org.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
Last modified: Jul 2010
