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Press Release
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Press Release
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( Brussels, 2 June 2004 ) European Commission Vice-President Loyola de Palacio has been presented [in absentia] with a 'Climate Killer Award' by environmental groups (Friends of the Earth Europe, Climate Action Network Europe and For Mother Earth), in 'recognition' of her repeated efforts to destabilize EU support for the Kyoto Protocol and related policies. The ceremony was conducted today in Brussels under the watching gaze of a ten-metre tall 'Carbon Dinosaur', which is on a European tour to highlight the threat of climate change and what must be done to avoid it. "For her many outspoken remarks against the Kyoto agreement, Mrs de Palacio thoroughly deserves this award," said Dr Martin Rocholl, Director of Friends of the Earth Europe. "Her reckless and unprofessional behaviour has undermined the EU's global leadership on the climate issue. Mrs de Palacio must accept that there is no alternative to Kyoto and so, like everyone in a position of responsibility, she has a duty to ensure Kyoto is a success." A new briefing entitled ' Out of Order' , explaining in detail why Loyola de Palacio has been given the award, was released today and is available here. The briefing includes for example how Commissioner de Palacio's transport policy-making was characterised as regressive and lacking transparency. Transport is currently responsible for around a quarter of EU carbon emissions and is easily the fastest growing sector. Mrs de Palacio also has a meagre record on renewable energy. "Her influence was crucial in the recent blocking of new EU targets for green energy in 2020" says Matthias Duwe, spokesperson for Climate Action Network Europe. "As one of her last acts as a Commissioner, this has further undermined Europe's leading role in developing renewable energy." Over the summer, the Carbon Dinosaur and exhibition is visiting 50 locations in 20 countries. During the tour, Friends of the Earth will collect thousands of signatures in support of ten key demands for a new more environmentally friendly EU energy policy (download here the 10 demands). These demands will be handed over to the new EU Energy Commissioner, who takes office in November. Follow the Carbon Dinosaur Tour at www.foeeurope.org/dinosaur Contacts: Maria Cordeiro, Climate Action Network Europe asbl
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