GREEN EYE ON THE EU’S CLIMATE EFFORT
– EU submits same old emissions pledge to Copenhagen Accord
– Designate EU climate commissioner performs well in EP hearing
– Positive outlook for Europe’s renewable energy targets
– Back-up plan for dealing with shipping emissions in EU being prepared
ROUND-UP – CLIMATE NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
– Emissions pledges submitted to Copenhagen Accord amidst fresh doubts over UN climate deal
– Possible setbacks for climate regulation in US
– Big emerging economies discuss way forward for climate talks
– The latest climate science in this month’s science overview
*** BEYOND COPENHAGEN – Greens/EFA conference on the future for global climate policy ***
4 February in the European Parliament also streamed live on http://www.greenmediabox.eu/live/
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GREEN EYE ON THE EU’S CLIMATE EFFORT
EU submits same old emissions pledge to Copenhagen Accord
The Spanish presidency of the EU confirmed the EU’s association with the Copenhagen Accord ahead of the 31 January deadline. In its letter to the UNFCCC, the presidency simply restated the EU’s emissions reduction target of 20% by 2020 (and conditional 30%), which dates back to March 2007.
The submission was the subject of renewed wrangling with the UK, Denmark and the Netherlands pushing for a 30% target, while others like Poland and Italy wanted to submit the 20% target alone. European Greens took the initiative of submitting a counter-submission on behalf of the EU with a 40% target. (see our press release and blog)
Designate EU climate commissioner performs well in EP hearing
EU climate commissioner designate Connie Hedegaard performed strongly at her hearing in the EU Parliament. Overall she presented a positive vision, indicating that EU legislation on car emissions should be reviewed as soon as possible. On the down side, she was less supportive of a binding energy efficiency target or emissions performance standards for power plants. The commission is set to be confirmed by the parliament on 9 February. (see our press release and blog)
Positive outlook for Europe’s renewable energy targets
The EU is on track to meet and even exceed its renewable energy targets, according to initial estimates from the member states. National governments will, however, have to submit more detailed action plans by June, as set out in the legislation. (see our blog)
Back-up plan for dealing with shipping emissions in EU being prepared
With an international agreement on greenhouse gas emissions from shipping still outstanding, the EU commission is preparing its back-up plan for curbing emissions from the sector. If no international solution is found by December 2011, shipping emissions will be included in the EU’s emissions trading scheme, as foreseen in the legislation. The commission is already engaged in consultations to this end, with a new report indicating that shipping accounts for over 6% of EU emissions.
ROUND-UP – CLIMATE NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Emissions pledges submitted to Copenhagen Accord amidst fresh doubts over UN climate deal
As the deadline for submission to the Copenhagen Accord expired on 31 January, the UNFCCC confirmed that 55 countries accounting for almost 80% of global emissions had associated themselves with the accord. UN climate chief Yvo de Boer confirmed that the pledged actions fall short of the target of limiting warming to below 2 degrees.
The accord includes an appendix for industrialised countries and emerging economies to submit their pledged emissions reduction actions, although the precise legal status of the accord remains unclear. Meanwhile, a number of climate experts have expressed doubts about the prospects of concluding a legally-binding climate deal in 2010.
Possible setbacks for climate regulation in US
The prospects for climate change regulation or legislation in the US received a dual setback in January. The Democratic Party lost its supermajority in the senate, possibly making it more difficult to agree planned climate legislation, although some commentators disagree. In his state of the union address, however, US president Obama underlined his commitment to the climate bill. Meanwhile an Alaskan senator is trying to block the EPA’s power to regulate greenhouse gases.
Big emerging economies discuss way forward for climate talks
Brazil, South Africa, India and China met on 24-25 January to discuss the way forward for international climate negotiations. The BASIC countries agreed to commit to the Copenhagen Accord. The countries called for a series of meetings under the UNFCCC negotiating tracks with a view to reaching a legally-binding climate agreement by the climate summit in Mexico (COP16) at the end of the year.
The latest climate science in this month’s science overview
January was an eventful month for climate change science. NASA confirmed that the 2000s was the hottest decade on record, while the possibility of an El Nino resurgence sparked predictions that 2010 could be the hottest year on record. The IPCC came under fire after it admitted to having included an erroneous claim on Himalayan glaciers in its fourth assessment report. New research also emerged claiming that water vapour played an important warming role in the 1990s, that higher-than-expected sea level rises are likely, and that the Arctic permafrost is melting at record levels.