EU urged to toughen targets

Europe looks set to lose its position as one of the front-runners for cutting emissions if it does not reassess its targets. Ministers from the bloc have asserted that if the EU is to compete with other nations such as China and Japan then targets must be raised.

In the Financial Times on Wednesday Chris Huhne, the British Energy Minister, Norbert Roettgen, the German Environment Minister and Jean-Louis Borloo, the French Ecology Minister wrote:

"If we stick to a 20 percent cut, Europe is likely to lose the race to compete in the low-carbon world to countries such as China, Japan or the U.S. -- all of which are looking to create a more attractive environment for low-carbon investment."

The group came together to urge the EU to reduce emissions by 30 per cent by 2020, replacing the 20 per cent target that is currently in place. Without this cut of greenhouse emissions Europe will be pushed into the slow lane in the race for green technology and a reduction in carbon. Connie Hedegaard European Commissioner for Climate Action stated that:

"If we are hesitating in Europe and if business is dragging their feet for the next few years, then we will lose the front-runner position that we have."

Previously, in the wake of the Copenhagen Summit in December, EU leaders had declined raising targets claiming that more nations needed to make comparable cuts before they would do the same. Now that Europe looks to fall behind in green progress there is an urgency to increase efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

There is concern that recent cuts have only been achievable due to the recession and that if those cuts were to be sustained this would now lead to higher costs in the future. However the opportunity to invest in sustainable technology would potentially help businesses increase revenue.

Mike Childs, the head of climate change from Friends of the Earth, believe the proposal for change was a good first step but that:

"To have a reasonable chance of effectively tackling climate change these European Ministers need to be bolder and aim for cuts of at least 40 per cent by 2020 without offsetting. This would be world-leading, realistic and affordable, and would send a powerful signal that those countries most responsible for global warming are willing and able to take strong action."

With ministers speaking out against current emissions targets it is clear that a call for greater efforts towards reducing carbon is called for and that if Europe is to remain a forerunner in the race for a green future.

Author: Rachael Bristow | Climate Action

Image: openDemocracy | Flickr