Combating Climate Change #1

8/8/2019 Combating Climate Change #1

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The way forward for the EU is an inte-grated energy and climate changepolicy, as the burning of fossil fuelsis a major contributor to climatechange. EU leaders endorsed such apolicy in March 2007. This demon-strates Europes global leadership intackling climate change whilepaving the way for the EU toincrease its security of supply andstrengthen its competitiveness.

An integrated energy and climatechange policy signals the launch of anew industrial revolution to trans-form the way we produce and useenergy, and the types of energy weuse. The goal is to move to a climate-friendly economy based on a com-bination of low-carbon technologies

and energy sources. To limit global warming to 2C, glob-al emissions of greenhouse gases will

need to stop increasing within 10 to15 years and then be cut to aroundhalf of 1990 levels by 2050. The EUis striving for a new global agree-ment to reach these goals. As a first step, it considers that industrialisedcountries should collectively cut theiremissions of greenhouse gases to30% below 1990 levels by 2020.Developing countries, such as Chinaand India, will also need to start lim-iting the growth in their emissions.

To underline its determination andset an example for its partners tofollow, the EU has agreed to cut itsown greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 % by 2020 regardless of what other countries do. The EUplans to achieve this reduction

through actions foreseen in the newintegrated energy and climate policy together with measures already inplace.

The way forward:an integrated response

Burning coal to produceelectricity is particularly harmful to the climate. V

a n P a r y s M e d i a


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The EU leaders have decided to:

save 20 % of energy consumptioncompared with projections for 2020by improving energy efficiency;increase to 20 % by 2020 the shareof renewable energies in overallenergy consumption, thus almost tripling the current level;increase tenfold to at least 10 % the share of biofuels in overallpetrol and diesel consumption by

2020, provided that sustainable,second-generation biofuels fromnon-food crops become commer-cially available;develop and promote low- oreven zero-emitting technologies,including carbon capture and stor-age i.e. preventing CO2 enteringthe atmosphere by capturing it andstoring it underground in depletedgas fields or old salt mines so that these can make a major contributionto reducing emissions by 2020;

Combat ing c l imate change

better integrate EU energy markets,i.e. moving towards more competi-tive, Europe-wide electricity andgas markets;better integrate EU energy policy with other policies, not just withenvironment policy, but also withpolicies such as research, agricultureand trade;increase international cooper-ation: if the EU can take a commonapproach on energy, and articulate

it with a common voice, it can leadglobal debate.

The starting point is a three-yearenergy action plan for Europe for theperiod 200709 designed to set theEU and its citizens on the right course to combine the fight against climate change with greater security of energy supply and continued eco-nomic growth.

Its faster and cleaner by train: cutting vehicle

emissions is critical incombating climate

change. D e u t s c h e B a h n


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What the scientists say

Over the past 150 years the mean temperature has increased by almost 0.8C worldwide.Europe is warming faster than the global average: the temperature has increased by about 1C.Eleven of the 12 warmest years worldwide since reliable records began in 1850 occurredbetween 1995 and 2006. The impact of rising temperatures can now be seen in the meltingice in the Arctic and the Alps, rain and snowfall patterns, droughts and heat waves, and theintensity of tropical cyclones.

Many experts believe that global warming must be limited to no more than 2C above the pre-industrial temperature if we are to prevent climate change from having irreversible impacts. But the scientific consensus is that the worlds average temperature could rise by as much as 6C

above todays levels in the course of this century, if no further action is taken. There was a 70 % increase in emissions of greenhouse gases worldwide between 1970 and2004. In the energy supply sector, the increase was 145 %. The growth from transport was120 % and from industry 65 %. There was a 40% increase from the reduced capacity of foreststo trap carbon dioxide emissions, and as a result of changes in land use.

The international forum responsible for assessing the scientific evidence of climate change andits impacts is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), set up in 1988. The panel,a joint initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme and the World MeteorologicalOrganization, assesses the scientific, technical and socioeconomic information relevant forunderstanding the risk of man-made climate change. The drafting of its assessments involveshundreds of leading experts from around the world. Since 1990, the IPCC has produced fourassessment reports, the most recent in 2007. Its confidence that greenhouse gases are to blamefor the change in the climate has been steadily growing with each report.


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For the sakeof future generationsCombating climate change is likely tomean significant adjustments to ourlifestyles but that does not mean sac-rificing our standard of living. Thechanges are perfectly compatible withthe EU priorities of jobs and growth,and with sustainable development.

The costs of this action will be very limited, and in any case much lessthan the cost of the damage climatechange will cause if we take no

action. If developed countries agree

to cut their collective emissions by 30 % by 2020, annual economicgrowth would be trimmed by lessthan 0.2 %.

This would be a small price to pay toavoid the potential long-term costs of climate change; moreover, it does not take into account the value of otherbenefits such as reduced air pollu-tion, security of energy supply at pre-dictable prices and improved com-petitiveness through innovation. Inpractice, the economic costs of emis-sion reduction are likely to be more

than offset by these benefits.


Without action now, skiing holidays could become a thing of the

past for future generations. B i l d e r b o x


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Emissions in tonnes of CO2 equivalent

Belgium

Bulgaria

Czech Republic

Denmark

Germany

Estonia

Ireland

GreeceSpain

France

Italy

Cyprus

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Hungary

Malta

Netherlands

Austria

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovenia

Slovakia

Finland

Sweden

United Kingdom

All 27 EU countries

0 10 20 30 40

14.7

13.2

18.9

13.4

15.5

27.8

15.8

10.7

7.4

10.0

9.2

10.5

9.9

13.0

33.4

9.5

6.3

14.3

10.3

12.8

6.0

10.7

9.2

13.8

14.3

8.5

13.5

11.9

13.8

9.0

14.2

11.8

12.1

15.3

17.0

12.6

10.2

9.1

10.0

13.2

4.7

6.6

28.0

8.0

8.5

13.0

11.4

10.5

8.1

7.1

10.2

9.0

13.2

7.4

10.9

10.5

1990

2005

9

Greenhouse gas emissions per person in the EU countries, 1990 and 2005

Source:EC


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The EU is not starting from scratch intackling climate change. The EU hasbeen progressively strengthening itsmeasures to increase energy effi-ciency, limit emissions from factoriesand cars, and encourage energy sav-ings for a number of years. Rules onrecycling and restricting the use of landfill sites are also contributing toreducing the amount of carbon emit-ted by the EU, known as its carbonfootprint. The seventh framework pro-gramme on research and technology development is the latest in a seriesof EU research programmes to put increasing emphasis on the environ-ment, clean and low carbon energy,and climate change.

Above all, the EU is already well into

a programme designed to reduceemissions by 8% by 2012. The EU hascommitted to this target under the so-called Kyoto Protocol to the UnitedNations Framework Convention onClimate Change.

The Kyoto Protocol The Kyoto Protocol was agreed in1997. It set an objective for the devel-

oped world as a whole of reducing itsgreenhouse gas emissions by an aver-age of 5.2 % between 1990 and2012. The 15 countries which weremembers of the EU at the time went further and committed collectively toan 8 % reduction in their emissions.

The protocol also created flexiblemarket-based mechanisms, includingemission trading, to help industri-alised countries achieve these reduc-tions at least cost and to encourageinvestment in clean energy projects indeveloping countries and economiesin transition.

Even though the United States and Australia have not ratified the proto-col and are therefore not formally contributing to the objective, the EU

has gone ahead with concrete mea-sures to achieve its emission targets,which take each member stateslevel of economic and industrialdevelopment into account. Most countries that have joined the EUsince 2004 have individual targetsnegotiated under the Kyoto Protocolwhen they were still outside the EU.


Building on our achievements


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An innovative mechanism

The cornerstone of the EUs strategy for fighting climate change is the EU emission tradingscheme (EU ETS), launched in January 2005. It was the first international trading system for CO 2emissions and has become the main driver behind the rapid expansion in carbon trading aroundthe world. Emission trading helps to ensure that emission cuts are achieved at least cost.

The EU ETS currently covers around 10 500 installations in the energy and industrial sectorswhich are collectively responsible for close to half the EUs emissions of CO2. By putting a cost on the carbon emissions of these installations, the scheme creates a permanent incentive forparticipating companies to minimise emissions as far as possible.

Under this scheme, the national authorities in each EU country allocate a certain number of emission allowances to each installation. The cap, or limit, on the total number of allowancescreates the scarcity needed for the market to function. Companies that keep their emissionsbelow the level of their allowances can sell the allowances they do not need. Those facing dif-ficulty in keeping to their allowances must either take measures to reduce their own emissions(for example, by investing in more efficient technology or using less carbon-intensive energy sources), or buy the extra allowances needed on the market effectively paying another com-pany for reducing emissions on their behalf.

Companies covered by the EU ETS are also allowed to use emission credits generated by emis-sion-saving projects in non-EU countries. This is organised under the Kyoto Protocols cleandevelopment mechanism (CDM) and joint implementation (JI) instrument. Demand for thesecredits is a strong driver for investment in ideas that reduce emissions in other countries.

Installations in the energy and industrial sectors are not the sole culprits adding to the level of CO2 in the atmosphere. Consequently, the European Commission has proposed extending theEU ETS from 2011 to include the rapidly growing emissions from aviation. In addition, a reviewof the scheme currently under way may lead to more sectors and gases being covered.



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Greenhouse gas emissions comelargely from energy use and produc-tion. Energy policy is therefore crucialto meeting climate change targets.

Acting jointly on energy is not new. The EU has had a single policy frame-work for energy for many years. A joint EU response to an energy crisis is not new either. The EU has, for example, acoordinated policy on strategicreserves of oil and petroleum productsas the result of a supply crisis in theearly 1970s.

As the warnings from scientists about the impact of climate change havegrown more and more serious, the EUhas recognised the urgent need topull together a number of strands ina single integrated climate and

energy policy for Europe. This policy will provide energy supplies that arecompetitive, sustainable and secure,and integrated with good environ-mental practice which will reduceemissions of CO2 and other green-house gases.

The key elements of the EUs energy policy in delivering these targets areas follows:

more efficient power and gas markets;diversification;an ambitious renewable energy policy;intelligent energy behaviour;international cooperation.

More efficient power and gas markets

The choices we make as consumershave a real impact on greenhousegas emissions from energy use andproduction. Virtually all EU con-sumers are now free to buy their gasor power from any supplier, includingsome which specialise in renewableenergy. Efficient markets are makingenergy more affordable and helpingremove barriers to achieving lowergreenhouse gas emissions. At thesame time they help EU industry retain its competitive edge. However,there is still room for improvement toensure that everyone gets a fair deal,that new companies in the field arenot placed at a disadvantage, and

that power and gas flow freely acrossEU borders. Cross-border trade is vital in making markets as competi-tive as possible.

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The contribution of energy policy

Emission credits areavailable for investing inthis climate-friendly alternative technology for brick production in India.

W o r l d B a n k p h o t o / C D C F I n d i a c a r b o n f i n a n c e p r o j e c t V S B K


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Greater security of supply is about not relying on one form of energy or on a

handful of supplier countries outsidethe EU. It is about producing moreenergy within the EU, and where nec-essary ensuring supply from otherstable regions of the world. It is alsoabout agreeing to share supplies intimes of crisis since the level of import dependence of different EU countries

varies considerably.

Some 80% of the energy the EU con-sumes is from fossil fuels oil, na-tural gas and coal all of them majorsources of CO2 emissions. Technology is helping reduce those emissions,and clean coal technology should beoperational within the next decade orso. Nevertheless, fossil fuel is a finiteresource, which will have been signifi-cantly depleted by the middle of thiscentury. Reducing the use of fossil

fuels thus contributes to improvingthe EUs energy security as well ashelping to limit climate change.

Moreover, the EUs own fossil fuelresources are being depleted fasterthan those of the world as a whole. It


is becoming increasingly dependent on imports, and therefore increas-ingly vulnerable to supply and priceshocks. Dependence on imported oil

could rise to 93 % and on importedgas to 84 % by 2030, if energy con-sumption is not checked and the fuelmix changed. At present, the EU getsabout 50 % of the gas it consumesfrom just three sources Russia,Norway and Algeria. The overall lev-el of the EUs reliance on importedenergy was 52.3 % in 2005.

Diversification into more home-grown energy will need a greater useof low or zero carbon technologiesbased on renewable energy sources,such as wind, solar, hydro power andbiomass, since the EU is short of fos-sil fuel resources of its own.Ultimately we are likely to havehydrogen in the mix as well. Some EUcountries will also use nuclear poweras part of their energy mix. For the

foreseeable future this will comefrom nuclear fission since nuclearfusion technology is not likely tobecome available before the secondhalf of this century.

Berlin is just one of several EU cities runninghydrogen-powered

buses with the help of EU funds.

Diversification

B e r l i n e r V e r k e h r s b e t r i e b e , B V G


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0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Oil Gas Nuclear RenewablesSolid fuels

Belgium

Bulgaria

Czech Republic

Denmark

Germany

Estonia

Ireland

Greece

SpainFrance

Italy

Cyprus

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Hungary Malta

Netherlands

Austria

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovenia

Slovakia

Finland

Sweden

United Kingdom

All 27 EU countries

15

Energy consumption by fuel type, 2005

Source: Eurostat


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An ambitious renewableenergy policy

Since the 1990s, the EU has been

developing and promoting the useand production of renewable energy.Promoting renewable energy dis-places fossil fuel consumption. It diversifies the use of energy sourcesand contributes to securing theenergy supply. It also develops newindustries and technologies.

EU countries first agreed on anindicative target for supplying 12 %of energy from renewable sources by 2010. To achieve this, new laws wereadopted establishing national tar-

gets for renewable electricity andbiofuels in transport to boost thelevel of renewable energy in the EUcountries. In addition, the private

sector was encouraged to make thenecessary investments.

In 2007, EU leaders agreed on tak-ing an even tougher stance by estab-lishing binding national targets onachieving 20 % of our energy fromrenewable sources by 2020. Thisincluded a new binding target of taking 10% of our transport fuelfrom biofuels by 2020. The use of renewable energy will rise dramat-ically as a result.

If we do not use energy more wisely, the glaciers

will continue to melt. C o r b i s


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How the use of renewable energy sources is expected to grow in the EU

The use of biomass (wood), biogasand biowaste in, for example, powerplants will grow. So will co-generation,where steam generated in electricity

production is not wasted but used, forinstance, in district heating systems.Greater use will also be made of biomass boilers in buildings, particu-larly when replacing oil or electricwater heating systems. Drawing heat

from the ground (geothermal sources)is also expected to increase, as well asthe use of solar energy. The biggest growth in electricity production will

most likely come from wind genera-tion through more and increasingly efficient wind turbines. With theexpected growth in biofuels for trans-port, this fast-growing sector will havea means of reducing its CO2 emissions.

Source:EC

Energy output in TeraWatt-hours per year


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Intelligent energy behaviour

The easiest way to increase the secur-ity of supply and help the climate isto reduce demand for energy. Thismeans using energy more efficiently so that less is wasted. This can bedone through energy-saving techno-logy or by changing our behaviour, ora combination of both. Above all, sav-ing energy also makes economic

sense: the EUs target of using 20%less energy by 2020 than we wouldotherwise be doing will reduce spend-ing on energy by 100 billion a year.

This target may sound hard toachieve, but in practice there is great scope for using energy much moreefficiently, sometimes with littleeffort. For example, energy labelling,minimum efficiency standards and

A new role for agricultureBiofuels from agricultural crops are currently the only available large-scale substitute for petroland diesel fuel in transport. Encouraging the use of biofuels helps to cut emissions and meansa wider choice of fuel supplies. Biofuels can be produced from a range of crops grown in theEU, including wheat and oilseeds. Biofuels can also be produced from other crops, such assugar cane, and be imported from third countries.

The EU has sufficient agricultural potential for the production of biofuels. In the near future,

biofuels will be produced from a much wider range of agricultural and forest products andorganic wastes, rather than purely from crops that are also used for producing food and feed.Whether produced in the EU or not, we must ensure that the production of biofuels is sustain-able, i.e. it does not lead to deforestation or loss of biodiversity, or undermine food production.


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Make sure he explainsthe energy consumption; the red, yellow and greenEU energy label is thereto help.

V a n P a r y s M e d i a

voluntary agreements by manufac-turers of household appliances havealready reduced the energy con-sumption of an average new fridgeor freezerby almost 50 % since 1990.For several other appliances, such aswashing machines and dishwashers,savings of over a quarter have beenachieved. The international Energy Starprogramme provides guidance on themost energy-friendly office and com-puter equipment.

Transport is one area where thereis huge unexploited potential forenergy efficiency, so the EU is work-ing with the automobile and fuelindustries to make this happen andreduce CO2 emissions from vehicles. It is also working on the infrastructureand policies to cut traffic congestion.

Traffic jams waste fuel.

Buildings account for 40% of theEUs energy requirements. Tighteningstandards for buildings and theirheating and hot water systems willreduce the amount of energy they use and reduce emissions throughwasteful heating and cooling.Research will also help to come upwith new and better materials for insu-lation. Measures like this have thepotential to cut energy consumptionin buildings by 28 % by 2020. That is

equivalent to saving more than 10 %of the EUs total energy consumption.

A lot of energy is wasted by ineffi-cient appliances. The EU is thereforepushing for still more energy-efficient appliances by enforcing energy labelling and fixing minimum perfor-mance requirements.


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An energy-saving light bulb would be cheaper in

the long run. C a r o f o t o

Greater use of energy-efficient lighting

on our streets, in our offices andhomes is relatively easy to achieve, andnew EU standards on this are likely tocome into force before the end of thedecade. Switching from ordinarylight bulbs to energy saving bulbs, forexample, reduces energy consumptionby over 75%. It costs more to buy thebulb, but lower electricity bills morethan make up for the initial cost.

Many of us use energy unnecessarily without realising how wasteful ourbehaviour is. Better information onour consumption from more sophisti-cated meters in our cars and in ourhomes will in future enable us to useenergy more intelligently. But it callsfor a change in our behaviour. TheEUs Sustainable energy Europe cam-paign provides pioneering examples.

International cooperationImport dependence will decrease,but remain a reality. Good relationswith energy-producing countries, andthe countries through which energy passes, are therefore priorities. Thismeans cooperating with countries tothe east and south Russia, the coun-tries of eastern Europe which shareborders with the EU, countries in cen-tral Asia, the Caspian and the Black

Sea, and around the Mediterranean.

Cooperation with other consumingnations is equally important, be they industrialised or developing, in order

jointly to agree measures to reducegreenhouse gases, use energy more effi-ciently, develop renewables and low-emission energy technologies, particu-larly carbon capture and storage.Research will play a key role here in sup-porting the spread of energy technolo-gies that are both affordable and clean.


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The role of technology

Whilst curbing the use of fossil fuelsmay mean we live differently in future,it does not mean jeopardising ourstandard of living, now or in future.

Technology can make a major contribu-tion to more efficient use of energy inour everyday lives, in industry, in trans-port and in sustainable development.

Being the first in the world in thefield of eco-innovation and sustain-able energy gives EU industry first-mover advantage, and generates jobsand growth. European industry isalready well placed, with about onethird of the world market in eco-industries and sustainable energy systems. European companies areleaders in sustainability in nearly three quarters of all major industrial

sectors, and eco-industries, sustain-able energy systems and services provide hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Promoting clean innovation The EUs environmental technology action programme covers a spectrumof actions to promote eco-innovationand the take-up of environmentaltechnologies. It promotes researchand development, mobilises funds,and improves market conditions.Under the EUs seventh frameworkprogramme of funding for research

and technology development for200713, a significant share of fundsis allocated to research in low or zerocarbon energy technology. There arealso funds for energy research andpromotion of energy savings withinthe EUs competitiveness and inno-

vation programme. This includes asub-programme called Intelligent Energy Europe.

Much of this funding will go to projects which will directly or indirectly address climate change. They include:development of hydrogen and fuelcells on which we will increasingly have to rely for energy as we decreaseour use of fossil fuels; capture andstorage of CO2; energy efficiency;clean and efficient transport and

environmentally friendly materials.Moreover, the EU assists in dissemi-nating best practice and providing aplatform for leading scientists toshare knowledge. These activitiesinclude a strategic energy technology plan designed to help the EU leadthe way in a complete shift in ourapproach to supply, production anddistribution of energy. They alsocover technology platforms, such asthe European hydrogen and fuelcell technology platform.


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Reducing your carbon footprint Reducing the EUs carbon footprint is not just about remote decisions by policymakers andlarge investments by industry. It is about individual contributions, and about stayinginformed. Small changes can make a big difference.

In your home

Seventy per cent of the energy used by households in the EU is spent on heating homesand another 14 % on heating water. By taking the following measures, you can cut emis-sions and often save money at the same time.

Reduce the temperature of the central heating by just 1C; set the thermostat even lowerwhen you are out and at night to cut energy bills by as much as one quarter.Insulate central heating pipes and wall cavities. Heat loss through walls, the roof and thefloor commonly accounts for over 70% of overall heat loss. Use the opportunity of a reno-

vation to improve the energy performance of your home.Move the fridge away from the cooker or hot water heater, so that the heat does not forcethe fridge to work harder. Do not let it frost up; let food cool before putting it in the fridge.Switch off. Switching off five lights in hallways and rooms in your home when you do not need them can save around 60 a year. Using energy-saving light bulbs can also save asmuch as 60 a year.

Think before you use appliances: use the washing machine or dishwasher only when

they are full, think about the temperature cycle to use, and use a tumble dryer only whenabsolutely necessary. When you make a cup of tea or coffee, boil only the amount of wateryou need. If we each avoided boiling one litre of water unnecessarily each day, the energy saved could power one third of Europes street lights.Do not leave appliances on standby. Switch off your home electronics, computer,modem, etc. completely and do not leave them in standby mode. This can save you asmuch as 100 per year. And turn off the computer in your office as well. Also unplugyour mobile phone charger when you are not using it.

Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, and take a shower instead of a bath. A standardshower uses up to four times less energy than baths.Sort for recycling. Recycling one aluminium can saves 90 % of the energy needed to producea new one. Recycle organic waste as compost. Reduce waste by using fewer one-timedisposable products and packages, and buy intelligently: a 1.5 litre bottle requires less energy to make and produces less waste than three half-litre bottles.Switch to green electricity. It may cost a bit more, but demand creates supply and the greaterthe supply, the more likely it is that the cost will come down through economies of scale.

In your car

Environmentally aware driving can lower fuel consumption by 5%. Examples of eco-driving are:

Start with a cold engine. Warming the engine uses more fuel. Then set off without using the throttle and shift to higher gears as soon as possible. The higher gears aremore fuel-efficient.Check the tyre pressure. If it is down by 0.5 bars, your car uses 2.5 % more fuel.


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Use low-viscosity motor oil. The best oils can reduce fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions

by more than 2.5 %. Take the roof rack off. Even empty roof racks can increase fuel consumption and CO2 emis-sions by up to 10 %.Slow down. Driving faster than 120 km per hour consumes 30 % more fuel per kilometrethan driving at 80 km per hour. And keep a steady speed, thus consuming less fuel.

Elsewhere

Travel by train. One person in a train emits two thirds less carbon dioxide than one personalone in a car.Explore alternatives to flying. Flying is the worlds fastest growing source of CO2 emissions.If you fly, then consider offsetting your carbon emissions through an organisation which willinvest the small amount it costs you in renewable energy or tree-planting.Cycle, walk, use a car-pool, take public transport and telework.Buy intelligently. Go for appliances which are labelled as energy-efficient, light-packed andrecyclable products, local and seasonal food, and fuel-efficient cars with the lowest levels of CO2 emissions per kilometre.

V a n P a r y s M e d i a

Wasting water wastes energy.

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Further readingEnergy for a changing world:ec.europa.eu/energy/energy_policy/index_en.htm

Climate change:ec.europa.eu/environment/climat/home_en.htm

EU action against climate change: Leading global action to 2020 and beyond (brochure):ec.europa.eu/environment/climat/pdf/eu_action_against_climate_change.pdf

The Sustainable energy Europe campaign:www.sustenergy.org

More details about climate change from the European Environment Agency:eea.europa.eu/themes/climate

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The European Union


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EUROPEAN COMMISSIONREPRESENTATIONS

Representation in Ireland 18 Dawson Street, Dublin 2

Tel. (353-1) 634 11 11Fax (353-1) 634 11 12Internet: www.euireland.ieE-mail: [email protected]

Representation in the United Kingdom8 Storeys Gate, London SW1P 3AT

Tel. (44-20) 79 73 19 92Fax (44-20) 79 73 19 00/10Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

Representation in Wales2 Caspian Point, Caspian Way, Cardiff CF10 4QQ

Tel. (44-29) 20 89 50 20

Fax (44-29) 20 89 50 35Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

Representation in Scotland 9 Alva Street, Edinburgh EH2 4PH

Tel. (44-131) 225 20 58Fax (44-131) 226 41 05Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

Representation in Northern Ireland Windsor House9/15 Bedford Street, Belfast BT2 7EG

Tel. (44-28) 90 24 07 08Fax (44-28) 90 24 82 41Internet: www.ec.europa.eu/uk

Go onlineInformation in all the official languages of the European Union is available on the Europawebsite: europa.eu

Visit us All over Europe there are hundreds of local EU information centres. You can find the address of the centre nearest you on this website: europedirect.europa.eu

Call or write to usEurope Direct is a service which answers your questions about the European Union. You cancontact this service by freephone: 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 , or by payphone from outside theEU: (32-2) 299 96 96, or by electronic mail via europedirect.europa.eu

Read about EuropePublications about the EU are only a click away on the EU Bookshop website:

bookshop.europa.eu

Other information on the European Union

There are European Commission and Parliament representations and offices in all the countries of the European Union. The European Commission also has delegations in other parts of the world.

You can also obtain information and booklets in English about the European Union from:

Representation in the United States2300 M Street, NW 3rd floorWashington DC 20037

Tel. (202) 862 95 00Fax (202) 429 17 66Internet: www.eurunion.org

222 East 41st Street, 20th floorNew York, NY 10017

Tel. (212) 371 38 04Fax (212) 688 10 13Internet: www.eurunion.org

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT OFFICES

Office in Ireland European Union House43 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2

Tel. (353-1) 605 79 00Fax (353-1) 605 79 99Internet: www.europarl.ieE-mail: [email protected]

United Kingdom Office2, Queen Annes Gate, London SW1H 9AA

Tel. (44-20) 72 27 43 00Fax (44-20) 72 27 43 02Internet: www.europarl.org.ukE-mail: [email protected]

Office in Scotland The Tun, 4 Jacksons Entry,

Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8PJ Tel. (44-131) 557 78 66Fax (44-131) 557 49 77Internet: www.europarl.org.ukE-mail: [email protected]

May 2007

EU Bookshop


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The international consensus is growing that the planet is facing irreversible climatechange unless action is taken quickly. The EUhas already formulated a clear response inthe shape of an integrated energy and climatechange policy, a commitment to cut emissionsof greenhouse gases by at least 20 % by 2020, and a promise to take the lead ininternational negotiations to adopt even

more ambitious targets. This will help to prevent the worldstemperatures rising by more than 2C, the level which is increasingly thought by scientists to be the point of no return. To achieve this goal,we need to use energy resources more sustainably and take switchingto more renewable forms of energy, capturing and storing carbon dioxideand reversing deforestation more seriously. This may involve a changein our lifestyles, but need not jeopardise our standard of living, orthose of future generations.

N A - A B - 0 7 - 1 2 5 - E N - C

I S S N 1 0 2 2 - 8 2 3 3

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Combating Climate Change #1

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