Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe and EUROCHAMBRES,
in a joint statement, have called on the EU to put every effort in the
climate negotiations in Paris and ensure the adoption of a comprehensive
climate agreement in an effort to mitigate the effects of climate change.
The joint statement statement outlines that the two organisations urge
the EU to adapt their energy policy without delay "to lead by example".
This includes the accelerated cost-effective uptake of renewable energy
and energy efficiency measures and the immediate provision of adequate
infrastructure.
Representing 44 million European citizens
and 20 million businesses, both organisations fully back the EU’s long
term vision of global and sustainable climate neutrality and climate resilience
and make it unequivocally clear that reducing our carbon footprint is a
remarkable opportunity for green growth.
atmosphere is literally on fire
“While our atmosphere is literally on fire, it is important to overcome
ideological differences and to focus on the essentials. Paris provides
the ultimate opportunity to kick-start much needed global climate action.
Missing this opportunity would not only harm our planet, but in the long
term also our economy. We therefore call for an ambitious and legally binding
international climate regime, in line with the 2°C target” stated
Arnaldo Abruzzini, Secretary General of EUROCHAMBRES.
“The Paris Climate Summit must give a clear signal to speed up the transition
of the world’s economy away from fossil fuels. Shifting investments towards
renewable energy and energy efficiency is an opportunity for growth and
jobs.We need the EU to lead by example and accelerate emission reductions
globally and at home, to ensure an adequate and urgent response to the
climate crisis" Wendel Trio, Director of CAN Europe said.
The joint statement follows
EWEA's plea for EU member states to show
more political will in their plans for renewables energy after 2020. The
latest conclusions by the EU Energy Council show that only 5 countries
so far have set out post 2020 plans for renewables.
With COP21 starting next week, it is still unclear how
the EU is aiming to meet the its renewable target of 27% by 2030 which
was set out last year.