The Commission today presents a package of measures to accelerate the transition to low-carbon emissions in all sectors of the economy in Europe. The Commission is working to keep the EU competitive as the global social economic model changes following the impetus to move towards a modern and low-carbon economy set by the Paris Agreement on climate change. Today’s proposals set clear and fair guiding principles to Member States to prepare for the future and keep Europe competitive. This is part and parcel of the Energy Union and a forward-looking Climate Change policy.
EC 20th July 2016 read more »
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Mark Johnston 20th July 2016 read more »
Key European Commission climate proposals published today, covering 60% of EU greenhouse gas emissions, do not adequately reflect the EU’s international Paris pledge to keep global warming well below 2 °C, and to pursue efforts to limit the rise to 1.5 °C. Instead, the proposals introduce flexibility measures which would allow Member States to avoid taking necessary action. For example, Member States can transfer cheap carbon credits across from the Emissions Trading System and use carbon-absorbing forests to count towards their emissions reduction goal. “It seems baffling that the Commission can so quickly ignore the Paris Agreement and its temperature goals, especially since Climate Commissioner Arias Cañete has been openly endorsing 1.5°C as the temperature threshold to aim for.”
WWF 20th July 2016 read more »