EU PREPARES FOR 30% CUTS AT COPENHAGEN - HALL

10.44.00am GMT Wed 25th Nov 2009

The European Union is likely to offer 30% cuts in CO2 emissions by 2020 in a bid to break the logjam at the Copenhagen climate change talks, says North East Lib Dem MEP Fiona Hall.

A marked shift in the EU's negotiating position was indicated during a debate in the European Parliament led by Swedish environment minister Andreas Carlgren and European environment commissioner Stavros Dimas.

"It's clear that EU negotiators are seeking to secure a strong political agreement by raising their game and putting a pledge to make 30% cuts firmly on the table," said Fiona Hall.

The EU has already put in place measures intended to achieve a 20% reduction in 1990 CO2 emissions by 2020, with a promise to raise the target to 30% if an international agreement on measures to combat climate change could be agreed.

Fiona commented: "If the Copenhagen talks are to have a successful outcome they must secure a political agreement which is specific on the targets and the timetable. The EU is now ready to replace a vague assurance with a specific pledge in the hope that others will follow suit.

Speaking in the debate, Fiona pointed out that the US, despite not having yet passed any climate change legislation, has already committed $100 billion to clean energy spending whereas to date the EU commitment is little more than $50 billion.

Said Fiona: "EU investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency needs to be much higher, so that these sectors can expand rapidly to meet the Copenhagen commitments - and in the process create thousands of jobs here in the North East."