GREEN EYE ON THE EU’S CLIMATE EFFORT
– Outlook for renewable energy in Europe very good after strong year
– Key ministers call for EU to move to 30% emissions reduction target
– EU energy commissioner calls for moratorium on offshore drilling
ROUND-UP – CLIMATE NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
– UN climate convention sets out back-up plans in case no climate deal reached
– Further setback for climate change legislation in US
– UN offsetting scheme under scrutiny as China threatens to block reform
– Record temperatures, climate science all clear and solar flight in our climate science round-up
– Calendar of some key events this month and next month
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GREEN EYE ON THE EU’S CLIMATE EFFORT
Outlook for renewable energy in Europe very good after strong year
Official figures showed that the EU is already over half-way to meeting its 2020 target for 20% of energy to come from renewable sources, with 10.3% of energy in 2009 coming from renewables, while renewable energy accounted for 20% of the power sector. Meanwhile, renewables accounted for more than half of new power generation installed in the US and Europe last year, with Spain taking over the mantle for the largest solar power station in the world. New studies also emerged underlining the potential for a renewable energy-based system in Europe and Germany.
Key ministers call for EU to move to 30% emissions reduction target
The environment ministers of Germany, France and the UK issued a joint call for the EU to step up its emissions pledge to a 30% reduction target for 2020 (up from its current 20% target). The initiative met with mixed responses from business, with initial criticism from some spokespersons for heavy industry being counterbalanced by support from other business leaders.
EU energy commissioner calls for moratorium on offshore drilling
EU energy commissioner Günther Oettinger urged EU member states to consider introducing a moratorium on offshore drilling in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The European Commission has acknowledged that existing regulation of offshore drilling is insufficient and is planning to strengthen current rules. Green MEPs have led the campaign to rethink offshore drilling (see our press release) and welcomed the Commission’s moves.
ROUND-UP – CLIMATE NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
UN climate convention sets out back-up plans in case no climate deal reached
The UNFCCC has begun to prepare back-up plans in case a global deal on climate change is not reached in time to follow on from the first phase of the Kyoto Protocol. The UN climate body, which saw Christiana Figueres installed as the new executive secretary in July, also proposed potentially far-reaching changes to the structure of the framework, including reforming the decision making process.
Further setback for climate change legislation in US
A revised and severely curtailed US energy bill has been presented to the US Senate. The bill, which was originally intended as a climate change bill, has effectively had all its climate change components postponed, however US president Obama maintained he is committed to passing a climate bill.
UN offsetting scheme under scrutiny as China threatens to block reform
The UN’s main scheme for offsetting emissions – the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) – has come under renewed criticism. It was also revealed it was supporting projects that will partially fund new coal power plants in developing countries. Meanwhile, the much-anticipated reform of the CDM was cast in to doubt amid fears China could block planned changes. The EU use of offsets under its emissions trading schemes were also criticised in a new study, which called for rules on offsets to be toughened.
Record temperatures and solar flight in our climate science round-up
This year is on track to be the hottest year ever recorded, confirming a global warming trend, according to research this month, with Arctic ice reaching record lows in June. New research showed the world is on track to a 4 degree Celsius temperature increase based on current emissions pledges. Meanwhile, separate investigations found the IPCC’s fourth assessment report to be correct, and cleared the scientists involved in the so-called climategate affair of any wrongdoing. Solar-powered flight moved a step closer after a 24-hour solar-powered light was competed.
WHAT’S ON
2-6 August Meeting of UNFCCC in Bonn
6-7 September Informal council of EU energy ministers
14 October Council of EU environment ministers
15 October Council of EU energy ministers