Dimas: EU will ‘lead by example’ on climate change

Europe is to lead by example in the fight against climate change ahead of new international negotiations to combat global warming, Stavros Dimas has vowed.

The European Environment Commissioner has unveiled new proposals to develop the EU’s future negotiating position after the first commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol ends in 2012.

“Fighting climate change is not a matter of choice, but a matter of necessity,” said Dimas.

“We will continue to lead by example, but we will also continue to pressure hard for all of our international partners to come on board.”

The report recommends that EU post 2012 strategy should attempt to broaden international participation in reducing emissions.

Dimas wants to identify incentives to tempt other major emitting nations and rapidly emerging economies to join in tackling climate change.

The US pulled out of the original Kyoto discussions, but the EU is hopeful that developed nations such as Australia and emerging economies especially China and India can be brought on board.

The proposals also target marine transport and aviation which were excluded from Brussels emissions trading scheme launched in January.

And a fresh look at how to halt global deforestation is also included.

Fostering new technologies is also given priority, with a push for more innovation in developing and implementing more climate-friendly solutions.

EU leaders will discuss the commission proposals at their mid term Lisbon summit in March.

The meeting is expected to reign in social and environmental policies in favour of policies to revitalise Europe’s flagging economy.

But Dimas sought to reassure EU capitals that his proposals would be cost effective.

“Our projections indicate that the costs associated with out proposals today are manageable for our economies,” said Dimas.

• Previous article
• Next article