By Martin Banks - 31st January 2012
Europe cannot continue coasting towards a cushy climate target
Greenpeace
Reducing Europe's emissions is more cost-effective than previously thought, according to a new report by the European commission.
The report, published on Tuesday, says that moving to 30 per cent emission reductions by the year 2020 is "feasible, beneficial, much cheaper than previously thought".
It says the higher target is also a "crucial step" towards the minimum 40 per cent domestic reductions many experts are demanding to prevent dangerous climate change.
The commission study was completed at the request of EU environment ministers.
It proposes a range of options to achieve the higher reductions, including removing excess polluting credits from Europe's emission trading scheme, increasing the target for non-industrial emissions and tapping into the EU budget.
Combined with energy savings and a binding 20 per cent target for energy efficiency, the report goes on to say that Europe could afford to be "even more" ambitious, and reap the full financial, environmental and health benefits of greater emissions reductions.
Reaction to the report was swift with Esther Bollendorff, climate justice and energy campaigner for Friends of the Earth Europe, saying, "The conclusions are clear: reducing emissions will bring huge financial, environmental and health benefits for Europe and its citizens.
"Moving to 30 per cent emission reductions can be achieved, cost-effectively, and the upcoming budget provides billions for CEE countries and poorer regions to cover upfront investment costs."
Further comment came from Julia Michalak, EU climate policy officer at CAN Europe, who said, "This study is important because it offers member states a way to ensure greater stability and resilience against oil price and supply fluctuations, which in turn will create stronger economies and a healthier environment in all of Europe."
"The commission's findings remove any doubt about the benefits of stronger European-wide climate action.
"Higher targets will benefit the EU's citizens and economy as well as poorer countries already experiencing the effects of climate change in other parts of the world."
CAN Europe, she said, "urges all member states to act on this analysis and support a shift towards a more ambitious target by increasing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from all sources".
Greenpeace also welcomed the proposals, which it says could lead to a "surge of green investment" and strengthen European economies by saving an average of €20bn a year in fuel costs between 2016 and 2020.
Support for central and eastern European climate action is "essential" if Europe as a whole is to "re-energise" its climate fight, said Greenpeace EU climate policy adviser Joris den Blanken.
Den Blanken said, "Last year saw massive flooding and wildfires punishing lives and costing hundreds of billions of euros. Europe cannot continue coasting towards a cushy climate target.
"It needs to do more and today’s move could hold the key to just that. This is also an opportunity to cut out ruinous fuel costs that are sapping our economic strength."
