Europe will undermine international efforts to tackle climate change if it does not set strong targets on emissions and energy for 2030, campaigners have warned.
The European Commission is set to unveil a series of proposals for addressing climate change up to 2030 today, including a target to cut greenhouse gas emissions across the EU, which is expected to be around 40% on 1990 levels.
But in the face of lobbying from countries including the UK, there are concerns the Commission will not set out binding targets for countries to increase the percentage of energy they source from renewables.
The Commission may also fail to set new targets for cleaning up transport fuel used in the EU – effectively opening the door for polluting “tar sands“ produced in Canada to enter the bloc.
And it is likely to publish a series of recommendations for developing shale gas projects in member states, rather than drawing up new EU-wide regulations on fracking.
The UK opposes a renewables target for 2030, arguing it would stop countries using the most cost-effective ways of cutting emissions, which could include non-renewable technology such as nuclear power and measures to cut carbon from conventional power stations.
The Government, which has gone “all out” for shale, has also warned against new legislation on fracking which it claims could delay investment or create uncertainty for the new industry in Europe.
And the UK has argued against setting new targets for cutting emissions from transport fuels under the fuel quality directive after 2020.
Europe has positioned itself as a leader on international climate change action, but a failure to outline ambitious measures now could hit attempts to secure a new global deal to tackle the problem, set to be negotiated in Paris next year, green campaigners warned.
Friends of the Earth’s international climate campaigner Asad Rehman said: “Europe’s climate leadership will ring hollow if it fails to take bold action against the threat of climate change and the devastating impacts it will have on us all.
“The EU must set ambitious targets in line with the latest science for tackling climate change, as well as mandatory goals for energy efficiency and renewable power.
“The Commission’s own research shows that rapidly decarbonising Europe would not only be good for the environment, it would also create new jobs, boost the economy and save millions from ill health.
“The EU must stop dancing to the tune of the big polluters and energy-guzzling firms, and get on with the urgent task of building a clean, safe and prosperous future.”
Alongside the framework for 2030, the European Commission will also set out a proposal on the strengthening of EU emissions trading system, and publish a report on energy prices and costs and comparing EU price with those of its main trading partners.
Recommended for you
