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

Phase-out of EU coal subsidies reconsidered, as Spanish coal aid approved
Plans by the European Commission to phase out subsidies for coal by 2014 have been thrown into doubt, with energy commissioner Oettinger openly questioning the phase-out. The plans are opposed by Germany and Spain. The Commission also approved controversial Spanish state aid for coal, in spite of opposition from environmental campaigners.

Energy savings key to EU climate and energy policies – new study
A new study presented by the European Climate Foundation underlined that without serious steps to improve energy savings and efficiency, the EU would find it difficult to meet its energy and climate goals. The study shows that the EU could reach its 2020 20% energy savings goal simply by realising all cost-effective energy saving measures. This would save consumers €78 billion a year by 2020, cutting the average household’s energy bill by €380 in 2020. (see our blog)

German government decides to extend nuclear plant life
The German government finally announced its decision to extend the operating life of nuclear power plants by an average of 12 years. The proposal has been the source of major controversy in Germany, with suggestions that the government would try and force through the plans without a vote in the upper house (Bundesrat) where it has no majority, however this would prompt a legal challenge.

EU emissions trading again under fire, as Commission considers benchmarks
The EU’s emissions trading scheme came under criticism again after a new study by Sandbag showed the recession had rendered it redundant and that the ETS has only delivered a 1% reduction in emissions. The news came as the Commission began outlining its benchmarking rules for allocating emissions permits post-2012.

MEPs deal setback to proposed rules on van emissions
The European Parliament environment committee voted to further weaken an already weak proposal from the European Commission aimed at reducing CO2 emissions from light vehicles. Centre-right MEPs voted for weaker long term emissions limits and lighter penalties. (see press release and blog)

Hopes for climate talks low as negotiations in China begin
Ahead of the latest round of UNFCCC negotiations in China, all sides have been at pains to play down expectations for the talks this year. Chinese negotiators have joined the chorus of voices, including UN officials, claiming there will be no treaty reached until late 2011 at the earliest, leading to talk of interim bilateral deals. Meanwhile, ex UNFCCC chief Yvo de Boer was quoted as saying there is no prospect for improving the emissions pledges of rich countries.

Climate change slips down US but vehicle fuel standards considered
While key Democrats in the US are still talking up the chances of an energy bill, it is seeming ever more likely that the bill will not contain a major climate change component i.e. the cap and trade element has been shelved. Meanwhile, the US has outlined new standards on fuel efficiency for cars.

All the latest climate science in our round-up
A new report commissioned by Deutsche Bank confronts some of the myths used by climate sceptics. New research in the EU also outlined the economic and health benefits of improved EU emissions targets. Another study revealed that carbon capture and storage is “doomed” in Europe. The World Bank published new research outlining the damaging impact of the global rush for biofuels.