FoE Europe Climate & Energy Campaign

Latest Press Releases

Action Gallery

December 2009 Flood for climate Justice, Copenhagen

December 2008 Global Climate Action Day

September 2008 Time to Lead

February 2008 The Big Ask launch

December 2007 Global Climate Action Day

March 2007 1 Million Signature Campaign in Brussels

March 2007 Giant EU Energy Flag in Brussels

Summer 2006 Climate Deal

March 2006 Spring Summit

October 2005 EU Council Meeting in Luxembourg

December 2005 Climate Mosaic in Montreal

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About Us

Campaign Coordination in Brussels

Member groups

Big Ask Meeting, Oct 2007, CZ

Why do we need to fight climate change?

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.

Choosing the right solutions
Rejecting the false solutions

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.
Friends of the Earth Europe believes it’s time to recognise that its principal policy mechanism for reducing emissions - the Emissions Trading System - is failing. The ETS is not delivering the CO2 cuts required by science and historical responsibility, is not financially sound, and is obstructing real action.

We oppose any role for dangerous and irresponsible false solutions to greenhouse gas emission reduction, or any leeway for them in climate change legislation.

FoEE climate change campaigns

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.
[ More about the Big Ask: www.thebigask.eu ]

The Big Ask filmclip

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.
[ More about the Energy Union: www.energyunion.eu ]

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.
[ More about our member groups: here ]

Together with Friends of the Earth International we are demanding climate justice at a local, national, regional and international level.
[ More about Friends of the Earth International work: here ]

What is the role of the EU?

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.