By Martin Banks - 20th May 2010
The need for Europe not to get left behind in the green technology race comes in combination with the massing evidence about the urgency of action needed. But this has already received criticism from certain quarters, notably members of the business com
Matthias Duwe, director of Climate Action Network
Industry claims that increasing the EU's greenhouse gas emission reduction target to 30 per cent will cost jobs have been dismissed as "absolute rubbish."
A coalition of environmental groups says such claims are "false, misleading and unfounded."
The attack comes on the eve of a new commission communication which will outline the costs and benefits of moving from 20 to 30 per cent CO2 reductions in the EU.
At present, the EU is committed to a 20 per cent reduction target by 2020, keeping the 30 per cent target conditional.
Many in industry argue that upping the target to 30 per cent will harm growth and cost jobs.
But, addressing a news conference in Brussels on Thursday,Matthias Duwe, director of Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, said such claims were "unfounded."
He said, "These claims by industry are simply not backed up by facts. It is argued that increasing the target will costs jobs but we say Europe will actually gain jobs by investing more in green technology.
"The need for Europe not to get left behind in the green technology race comes in combination with the massing evidence about the urgency of action needed. But this has already received criticism from certain quarters, notably members of the business community.
"The EU must not give in to the false arguments and dishonest activities of these voices."
His comments were echoed by Jason Anderson, head of European climate and energy policy with WWF, who said, "It is rubbish to say a 30 per cent reduction target will harm industry.
"On the contrary, increasing the target is the sensible thing to do."
The commission's communication, to be published on 26 May, is expected to say that the total extra cost for the EU to move from 20 to 30 per cent would be €33bn in 2020 which represents 0.2 per cent of GDP.
Anderson said, "But even this low figure does not factor in a number of important benefits.
"For example, decreased emissions mean lower costs for pollution control, a benefit estimated at €3bn in 2020
"Improved air quality would bring additional health benefits which are estimated to be valued between €3.5 to €8bn."
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