20.12.11 Environment ministers fail to tackle global challenges 11.12.11 Durban climate outcome not in interests of world's 99% 18.05.11 Leading industry laggards meet at European Business Summit 26.04.11 Time to start phase out of nuclear across Europe 15.03.11 Europe must phase-out nuclear 14.03.11 30% welcomed, but greater ambition necessary 08.03.11 EU maps out road to climate catatstrophe 28.02.11 Energy ministers turn deaf ear to calls for energy savings 04.02.11 No bright ideas - Friends of the Earth Europe comment on EU Energy Summit conclusions 04.02.11 A bright idea: setting a binding EU energy savings target 20.12.10 Environment ministers wrong to cheer Cancún 08.03.10 EU maps out road to climate catatstrophe 11.12.10 Justice not done at climate talks - Weak Cancún package lacks substance 16.11.10 Nanotechnology: true climate and energy cost exposed 29.10.10 EU preparations for Cancun fall far short 14.10.10 EU carbon trading obstructing real climate action 06.08.10 No emissions cuts for Europe at climate talks 17.06.10 Europe losing sight of sustainable and green future 11.06.10 EU losing direction in the climate debate 31.05.10 UN climate talks resume, EU must resist industry lobbying and increase cuts 27.05.10 World Bank urged to stop dirty business 26.05.10 European Commission must press ahead with bold climate action 26.03.10 EU leaders stuck on repeat post-Copenhagen 15.03.10 Europe fails to find its feet after Copenhagen 09.03.10 European Commission Communication on Climate Policy: FoEE Comment
Campaign Coordination in Brussels
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Climate change is the single biggest environmental threat facing our planet. Burning coal, oil and gas pollutes the atmosphere with greenhouse gases that cause the planet to heat up. According to the latest findings of UN climate experts (IPCC), temperatures could rise by up to 6.4°C before the end of this century. We must stay well below a dangerous temperature rise of 2°C. To achieve this we have to fundamentally change the way how we produce and consume energy.
If global average temperature rises, so will the number and intensity of freak weather events such as flash floods, storms, heat waves, mudslides or droughts. This will cause catastrophic social, environmental and economic consequences. Climate change is already having a big effect. Rising sea levels will wipe whole countries off the globe and create climate refugees. People living in coastal regions, forests, areas affected by desertification and retreating glaciers are already feeling the impacts of climate change.
To prevent climate change we need an energy revolution starting with an increase in energy conservation and energy efficiency, increasing the share of renewable energy sources and phasing out nuclear power. Greenhouse gas emissions have to be reduced first in the countries which have the historical responsibility for creating the majority of emissions: the rich, industrialised world. Reductions of at least 40% by 2020 and 90% by 2050 must be made domestically, and not "offset" by buying carbon credits. Developed countries must repay their "climate debt" and provide financial and technology support to developing countries in tackling climate change and its consequences. Changing the way that we produce and consume energy can also create millions of new green jobs in sectors such as energy efficiency, energy saving and renewable energy. Friends of the Earth rejects nuclear power and agrofuels as they are not solutions to climate change. Nuclear power is dirty, costly and dangerous. Investing in nuclear power delays much needed investments in real solutions. Promoting agrofuels will often deliver very limited greenhouse gas savings and also poses a threat to ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. Friends of the Earth rejects all forms of carbon trading and offsetting.Offsetting wards off real measures to tackle climate change instead of fulfilling domestic emission reductions. We oppose any role for dangerous and irresponsible false solutions to greenhouse gas emission reduction, or any leeway for them in climate change legislation. Read more at: www.foeeurope.org/activities/Nuclear/nuclear.htm
The Big Ask campaign brings together Friends of the Earth groups from 18 countries, all with the same big ask -That their governments commit to reduce carbon emissions, year on year. Every year. In the UK the campaign has led to the groundbreaking "Climate Change Act". This has been followed by similar legislation in Scotland.
Energy Union is a campaign, a touring show, a party, and arts event and a discussion forum rolled into one. It is direct and to the point, giving you information, entertainment and top tips to save the planet! The tour promotes the sensible use of energy and sustainable energy production. Our groups also campaign for improvements in energy efficiency, energy saving, and renewable energy. We also have active campaigns against the false solutions to climate change. Together with Friends of the Earth International we are demanding climate justice at a local, national, regional and international level.
Read more at:
At the UN climate negotiations in Copenhagen in 2009 and in Cancun in 2010, governments failed to agree on the steps that are urgently needed to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions. The European Union didn't take the lead to show that Europe is ready to make cuts in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 40% by 2020 (compared to 1990 figures), and provide appropriate financial support to developing countries in tackling climate change and its consequences. The EU must make a firm engagement by implementing existing energy policies in the areas of energy conservation and efficiency as well as renewable energy. So far the EU has only agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020. Considering the EU is set to offset over half of its commitments by buying carbon credits, this will water down the already weak targets. FoEE calls on the EU to step up its commitment and agree to unconditionally reduce its emissions by 40% by 2020 and 100% by 2050, without offsetting. On top of this, huge financial support will be needed from the EU and other industrialised countries to support developing countries in tackling climate change and its consequences. |
March 2011 Letter to President Barroso related to the 2050 low carbon roadmap June 2010 Green 10 letter to President van Rompuy before European Council March 2010 Letter to EU Heads of State before Spring Council meeting November 2009 FoEE Background Briefing on EU position before Copenhagen October 2009 Letter to EU Heads of State before October Council meeting October 2009 Letter to EU Finance Ministers before October Council meeting October 2009 Letter to EU Environment Ministers before October Council meeting May 2009 Letter to EU Finance Ministers to demand EU pays a "fair share" of climate cash March 2009 Background Briefing on Copenhagen Communication March 2009 Harnessing the EU Recovery plan for green investments into clean energy in the North and the South February 2009 Joint NGO letter to European Heads of State: The Road to Copenhagen |
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