Climate change and trade

European Parliament report highlights the link between trade and climate change

The European Parliament is set to debate and adopt a report highlighting the link between international trade and climate change and proposing measures to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions caused by trade.

Climate change and desertification

Proceedings of the Greens/EFA conference

One quarter of the world's land is threatened by desertification. The "2006 International Year of Deserts and Desertification" has shown that the livelihoods of over one billion people in more than 100 countries will be jeopardized. To what extent is desertification linked to climate change?

Environment council

Environment ministers adopt a 'we'll jump if the others do too' approach on climate change

Environment ministers committed to reduce overall EU CO2 emissions by 20% by 2020, indicating they would only agree to a 30% reduction - which the scientific community has said is necessary - if other developed countries do so too. Green MEPs called for EU leadership instead of ambiguity on this crucial issue.

Climate change report

UN climate change report must not be ignored by the EU

The Intergovernemtal Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) today unveiled its Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) on climate change. It suggests that the global consequences of climate change are probably worse than previously expected.

Climate change - Emissions trading

Nonchalance to emissions trading jeopardises EU climate commitments

In advance of the European Commission and Council statement and Parliament debate on the second phase of the Emissions Trading Scheme (2008-12) today, the Greens stress the necessity to take a tough line with the proposed national allocation plans.

Climate change

Resurgent greenhouse gas emissions underline need for more stringent regulation

The European Environment Agency (EEA) released today the data on greenhouse gas emissions for 2004. For the second year in a row, the figures show that the greenhouse gase emissions in the EU rose!

EU Emissions Trading

Emissions trading scheme shows economic incentives can work for the environment

The European Commission today released the 2005 CO2 emissions data and compliances status of more than 9.400 installations covered by the EU ETS.By the compliance date of 30 April 2006 some 8.980 installations had fulfilled their obligations. It accounts for more than 99% of allowances allocated.

F-gases

Commission cannot disregard agreement on F-gases !

The European Parliament has decided to postpone its vote on F-gases, planned for today, after a statement by the European Commission that it already intends to challenge elements of the conciliation agreement (between Council and Parliament).

Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases

European Parliament to debate and vote on a report about F-Gases

Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (F-Gases) are very damaging climate gases that are covered by the Kyoto Protocol on climate change. F-gases are used in many applications such as in refrigeration, air conditioning, fire-fighting, electrical transmission systems and various industry processes.

EU carbon Emission Trading Scheme

Member states work on their national allocation plans

To meet it's Kyoto Protocol emission commitments the EU developed a carbon emission trading scheme (ETS). The first phase of the EU ETS is running from 2005 to 2007. The member states have now to set up their plans (National Allocation Plans) for the second phase of the ETS, 2008-2012.

Climate Change impacts of aviation

European Parliament Hearing on 'Climate Change and Aviation'

The contribution of aviation to climate change is substantial - currently accounting for 5-12% of emissions in the EU - and growing rapidly. The EU international aviation emissions of CO2 between 1990 and 2003 increased by 73%, corresponding to an annual growth rate of 4.3% per year!

EU Environment Council of Ministers on Climate Change

EU to decide on future Kyoto commitments

The EU Environment Ministers discussed on how to take forward measures to combat climate change agreed at the UN conference in Montreal last December. They had to decide post-2012 commitments by developed nations which have ratified the Kyoto Protocol.

Climate change facts

New information confirming and deepening the scientific consensus on climate change is reported almost on a daily basis; evidence of melting ice caps, drought, floods, storms, rising sea level, shortages of freshwater, record temperatures, loss of animal species,...