By Martin Banks - 23rd November 2011
The time is right for the EU to step into the driving seat
Bas Eickhout
Parliament's Green MEPs have told the EU to "get back in the driving seat" at this month's COP17 climate talks in Durban.
The climate talks in South Africa run from 28 November to 9 December and are likely to test global resolve to tackle greenhouse emissions.
They are designed to reach agreement on a successor to the Kyoto protocol and legally-binding CO2 reduction targets.
Speaking at a news conference in parliament on Wednesday, the group's co-leader Rebecca Harms said the EU should take a lead in reviving global efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
The German deputy said it that at a time of economic downturn it was "more necessary than ever" to take action to protect the environment.
She said that up to five million jobs could be created in Europe through "green technology" over the next 10 years.
The Greens submitted a list of demands they say the EU should seek to achieve at Durban, including agreeing a second commitment period for the Kyoto protocol and taking "concrete" steps in implementing the agreements reached at the Cancun climate talks.
The group also wants the EU to "step up" what it says are currently "weak" 2020 emissions reduction target, from 20 per cent to 30 per cent.
Dutch Greens MEP Bas Eickhout said such a decision would "boost economic growth and bring major health benefits" to citizens.
He also urged the EU to "take the initiative" at Durban in pushing for legally-binding CO2 reduction targets, saying, "Currently, China is setting the agenda when it comes to climate action.
"The US is too preoccupied with its elections next year so the time is right for the EU to step into the driving seat in setting a new agenda for the green economy."
He said the Polish EU presidency should play its part in securing "ambitious" climate goals at Durban "otherwise we will only be able to conclude that its presidency will have been a failure".
His comments were echoed by Finnish Green member Satu Hassi who said on possible measure would the introduction of a global "emissions tax" for the shipping and aviation sectors.
She said, "Time is not on our side. We need to act now."
EU climate action commissioner Connie Hedegaard will lead the sizeable EU team in Durban.
Writing in the latest issue of Parliament Magazine, the Dane said, "What we need is a global framework for action by all major economies."
