Main focus of Thursday, January 24, 2008

Europe's climate goals

Yesterday, the EU Commission presented its climate goals through the year 2020 – as well as regulations for individual member states. Greenhouse gas emissions are to be greatly reduced through emissions trading, and the amount of renewable energy used in the EU is to be raised by 20 % in that period.

La Libre Belgique - Belgium

Sabine Verhest considers that the European Commission "did a good job dealing with the intense lobbying it endured for months and is now sending out a positive message to Europe and the world. It is obliging member states and their firms to make a real effort, to see the green revolution as an opportunity rather than a threat or punishment, to use it as a trampoline to innovate and create new jobs. ... It is now a question of continuing to set an example and taking on the responsibility of its status as leader and rich region. If by any chance the Union were to fail in respecting its objectives for the lowering of pollutant emissions before the 2009 climate conference in Copenhagen, it would loose all credibility and sabotage post-Kyoto international negotiations in the future. This is a heavy responsibility." (24/01/2008)

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The Irish Times - Ireland

The Irish daily takes relatively positive view of the EU's environmental plan and its local implications. "The EU system is good at this kind of transnational negotiation; it enjoys widespread support from ordinary citizens throughout the member states who believe global warming must be handled at EU level if it is to be addressed effectively. The talks should also be informed by a growing public understanding that once the difficult transition to more sustainable policies is made there will be many benefits for all concerned. Among them at national level is the prospect of reduced energy import bills once renewables come on stream, or the economic stimulus flowing from technological and entrepreneurial innovation in the fast-developing field of environmental economics. These have genuine competitive advantages for Ireland and other member states in a world that badly needs such breakthroughs." (24/01/2008)

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Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung - Germany

Klaus-Dieter Frankenberger criticises EU climate policy: "From Berlin to Wiesbaden to Brussels, the climate debate is frequently conducted as if climate protection only costs 'peanuts'; or the question of cost is considered immoral from the outset, in light of award-winning scenarios of catastrophe. But one of the commandments of political integrity is to put everything on the table. It's going to cost something to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and to drastically increase renewable energy – energy will cost more, and jobs will be lost as production is outsourced. We could well be on the road to Germany's de-industrialization, as in the sad case of Nokia." (24/01/2008)

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Göteborgs-Posten - Sweden

In Sweden, Greenpeace is criticizing EU demands to reduce greenhouse gasses as too lax. On the other hand, the Svenskt Näringsliv business association complains that Sweden places a greater burden on business than do other countries. The paper sees this as a sign that the Commission is absolutely right in its evaluation of Sweden. "Most importantly, the concrete and ambitious work can now begin. If the Commission's packet more or less survives this ongoing process, it can set a positive spiral in motion, in which the hurdles can be constantly raised - not only in the EU but also in other countries. Instead of sneering, everyone should rejoice that the starting shot has finally been fired, even if the finish line is still far away. When it comes to the environment, you'll never be able to find a common denominator of idealism, realism and self-interest." (24/01/2008)

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The Independent - United Kingdom

The daily points out that "there seems to be some confusion in Brussels. The head of the EC, Jose Manuel Barroso, spoke this week about the possibility of giving European companies their carbon allowances under the ETS [Emissions Trading Scheme] free of charge if an international agreement on cutting emissions fails to materialise. But this would render the whole system useless. What incentive would there be for firms to reduce emissions in such circumstances? ... The Commission must not fall into the trap of imagining that it can rely on the market – in the form of the ETS – to do all the hard work. Even if the ETS is beefed up sufficiently, emissions from transport will be reduced only by taxation – and that will entail a good deal of political pain. Setting out targets is the easy part. European leaders must be prepared for the tough political battle ahead." (24/01/2008)

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