Leading EU multinational corporations, including Shell, Tesco, and Vodafone, today called on the EU to revise its 2020 carbon reduction target to 30 percent of 1990 levels.
EU member states are preparing to formally submit their 2020 greenhouse gas emissions targets, agreed upon at the Copenhagen conference. While the UK, France, and other developed countries have unilaterally set targets of reducing carbon emissions by 20 percent, the EU is attempting to lobby for an increase in the 2020 target to 30 percent.
In an open letter to European Commission President Barroso, the Prince of Wales Business Leaders on Climate Change expressed support for the EU's position and hinted at their support for a 30% reduction in carbon emissions. The organization's leaders are from Europe's largest companies, including Deutsche Telekom, Philips, and Unilever.
The letter points out that the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020 should be raised, which would have a decisive impact on the rapid development of a low-carbon economy. It also argues that although a binding treaty on climate change was not reached at the Copenhagen Conference, an agreement remains crucial for economic interests and development. The EU's climate change strategy is entirely based on a binding international treaty, enabling the global carbon market to offer competitive carbon trading prices. The letter notes that even without the EU's continued leadership role, and with the US, China, and other major emerging economies investing heavily in environmental technologies, the EU remains competitive in this field. It also commends the EU's policy of subsidizing green technologies and calls on them to maintain this policy and promote long-term development.
Philip, CEO of Garrett & Co., stated that a lack of ambition to reduce carbon emissions could very well hinder the ultimate goal of achieving a low-carbon economy. He said now is not the time for the EU to apply the brakes and relinquish its leadership position. The EU should accelerate its progress towards a low-carbon society, as he firmly believes this will significantly benefit consumers' environmental and economic well-being. This is why they are urging EU leaders to maintain their ambition to reduce carbon emissions.
– Reference source: Environmental Expert, 2010-01-26
– Translated by Plastic Industry Technology Development Center
– For reference only, please refer to the original text.
