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24.06.09 Scotland's climate bill sets a precedent for Europe 12.06.09 Rich countries hold UN Climate negotiations hostage 01.04.09 New energy labels to leave consumers in the dark 19.03.09 Europe running out of time to cough up climate cash 10.03.09 Finance ministers dodge responsibility in climate cash decision 09.03.09 EU must not cool its commitment to efficient appliances 20.02.09 Less than 300 days
29.01.09 Credibility and cash lacking from Commission climate change vision
Safe energy for Europe
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 an 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 40% by 2020 and 100% by 2050 must be made domestically, and not "offset" by buying carbon credits. Developed countries must repay their "climate debt" and provide financial 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. We oppose any role for dangerous and irresponsible techniques of 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 preparing lobbying and actions for the the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen in December 2009.
Read more at:
At the UN climate negotiations in Copenhagen in December, governments must agree on the steps that are urgently needed to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions. The European Union must take the lead and show that Europe is ready to make cuts in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 40% by 2020 (compared to 1990 figures), and provide 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. If other developed countries would show comparable efforts and major developing countries contribute adequately, the EU would be ready to reduce emissions by 30% 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.
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May 2009 Letter to EU Finance Ministers to demand EU pays a "fair share" of climate cash March 2009 Harnessing the EU Recovery plan for green investments into clean energy in the North and the South May 2008 FoEE briefing: Ensuring annual cuts are met in the Commission's Effort Sharing proposal May 2008 FoEE briefing on the directive on the promotion of use of energy from renewable sources February 2008 NGO briefing on the EC's legislative proposals on 2020 ES and ETS
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December 2008 
