Stop Climate Chaos is deeply disappointed with the unambitious white paper released by the European Commission today on the EU’s 2030 climate and energy framework. With low targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions and renewable energy, and a non-binding target for energy efficiency, the paper is a very disappointing and significant roll-back on the climate leadership previously demonstrated by the EU.
The White Paper proposes a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, a target Stop Climate Chaos argues is inadequate to contain global temperature increases. Ciara Kirrane, Coordinator of Stop Climate Chaos, said today ‘This proposal is not in line with science, and what is actually needed to meet the challenge of climate change. NGOs across Europe are calling for a greenhouse gas emission reduction target of at least 55%. If ambition is not raised, the EU’s international pledge to stay below 2 degrees of global warming is all but impossible’.
The renewable energy target, something Ireland has publically called for along with 7 other member states, also falls far short of the ambition needed. ‘The EU is already on track to meeting, and indeed exceeding, its existing targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions and renewable energy by 2020, demonstrating the EU’s ability to stretch itself further and apply the level of action that is commensurate with the scale of the climate challenge’ Ms Kirrane added.
‘In order to keep its international climate pledges, and ensure devastating climate impacts for the world’s most vulnerable people are avoided, the EU must adopt three ambitious, binding targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions, renewable energy and energy savings. Sadly, such determination is lacking in this White Paper.’
About Stop Climate Chaos
Stop Climate Chaos (SCC) is a coalition of 28 civil society organisations campaigning to ensure Ireland plays its part in preventing runaway climate change. It was launched in 2007 and is the largest network of organisations campaigning for action on climate change in Ireland. Its membership includes development, environmental, youth and faith-based organisations. The members of SCC are: Afri, BirdWatch Ireland, Christian Aid Ireland, Comhlámh, Community Workers’ Cooperative, Concern, Cultivate, Dublin Friends of the Earth, Eco Congregation Ireland, ECO UNESCO, Feasta, Friends of the Earth, Gorta, Just Forests, Kimmage Development Studies Centre, Latin America Solidarity Centre (LASC), Liberia Solidarity Group, Methodist Church of Ireland – Council of Social Responsibility, Mountmellick Environmental Group (MEG), National Youth Council of Ireland, Oxfam Ireland, Presentation Ireland, Progressio Ireland, Sustain West Cork, Trócaire, An Taisce, VITA and V.O.I.C.E. Further information is available at: www.stopclimatechaos.ie. Follow SCC on Twitter @SCC_Ireland and on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/stopclimatechaosireland.
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