Ενημερωτικό Δελτίο της καμπάνιας των Ευρωπαίων Πράσινων για την κλιματική αλλαγή (Μάιος 2010)

Pathway to Europe’s renewable energy future mapped out by 2 separate studies
Two groundbreaking studies were published in April, mapping out the pathway to a renewable energy future for Europe. The European Climate Foundation, in its Roadmap 2050, set out potential scenarios for the EU for renewable energy in 2050, including how to generate 80% of power from renewable energy and even a scenario for sourcing all EU power from renewables. Just two days later, the European Renewable Energy Council brought out a separate study, Rethinking 2050, setting out a “100% renewable energy vision for the EU”. (see our blog)

EU 30% emissions target on the agenda amid mixed messages from Germany
The European Commission is preparing to make the case for the EU to increase its greenhouse gas target to a 30% reduction by 2020. The EU is due publish its communication and impact assessment at the end of May but leaked drafts are already doing the rounds. The communication will confirm the findings of previous research that it is now much cheaper for the EU to deliver a 30% target.

The news comes amidst reports of mixed messaging from Germany on EU climate policy. Some sources were reporting that Chancellor Angela Merkel has increasing doubts about EU commitment to a binding international climate agreement. However, German environment minister Roettgen publicly reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to a climate deal and called for the EU to increase its emissions pledge to a 30% reduction by 2020 from 1990 levels. All of this came in the week running up to high-level climate change talks being hosted by Germany in Bonn from 2-4 May.

EU transport emissions on the rise, as Commission outlines ‘clean’ vehicles strategy
New research from the European Environment Agency revealed that greenhouse gas emissions from transport are continuing to rise, undermining emissions reductions from other sectors. The research was published a day before the European Commission presented its strategy for “clean and energy efficient vehicles”. The European Commission has taken up the enthusiasm of member states governments in seeking to push for electric vehicles. (see our blog)

Europe’s emissions trading scheme in the news again
The EU’s emissions trading scheme continued to make headlines this month, with a sweep of raids – mainly in Germany – related to tax evasion in emissions permit trading leading to the arrest of around 50 people. In separate but related news, the European Commission indicated it could back down from its plans to centrally auction EU emissions permits for the post-2013 emissions trading scheme, under pressure from Germany and the UK. Meanwhile, the Commission reached an agreement with Poland on its national emissions allocation, setting a long-running dispute.

Greens hold key climate events in Europe and Asia-Pacific
UN climate chief Yvo de Boer and former EU environment commissioner Stavros Dimas both called on the EU to increase its emissions pledge at a Greens/EFA climate conference in Bonn on 30 April (see interview with de Boer, conference video and photos). The following day, Asia-Pacific Greens met in Taiwan to call for a global climate action.

Climate diplomacy stepped back up in April
After a relative period of ‘cooling off’ since the Copenhagen summit, climate diplomacy was stepped back up in April, with a flurry of key meetings taking place. A meeting of the Major Economies Forum was the latest to douse hopes for a UN climate deal this year, and this was confirmed by a subsequent meeting of the BASIC group of major emerging countries, which outlined 2011 as the goal for an agreement. The ‘People’s Climate Summit’ in Bolivia, organised by President Evo Morales, also took place, concluding with ambitious demands for global climate change efforts.

US climate efforts hit further wobbles
US climate legislation hit renewed difficulties this month. Co-drafting senator Lindsey Graham (Republican) threatened to withdraw his support for the bill after hearing of potential delays due to a competing immigration bill. Ahead of the planned deadline for publishing the revised bill (which has now been missed), the US administration brought out a report underlining the urgent need for action on climate change.

Australia postpones cap and trade plans, as Tokyo starts first Asian cap and trade
The Australian government confirmed that it was postponing the introduction of a planned emissions trading scheme until 2013 at the earliest. A week previously, Tokyo launched its own emissions trading scheme, the first of its kind in Asia.

Record hot winter, emissions data and doubts on CCS in this month’s climate science round-up
NASA confirmed that this winter was one of the hottest on record, in spite of cold spells in parts of the northern hemisphere. Reports of official emissions figures showed industrialised countries emissions fell 2.2% in 2008. Controversy was sparked on the potential of carbon capture and storage after US commissioned research raised doubts about the viability of CCS. A UK enquiry cleared climate scientists of any wrongdoing in the so-called climategate email scandal. Sea ice loss is driving the Arctic warming cycle according to new research.