Why industry's claims don't ring true on an EU move to 30% reductions
28 May 2010
A new CAN Europe press briefing analyses the new Commission Communication, which was released on May 26th, on the economic and policy implications of the EU’s increasing its greenhouse gas emission reduction target to 30%. Even before the document’s official release, industry went on the offensive, stating how more emission reductions would make them unprofitable. The CAN Europe briefing specifically debunks industry claims on loss of competitiveness and shows the benefits of increased emissions reduction ambitions.
At an event on 20th May, several experts from CAN Europe presented the information contained in this briefing. Here are quotes from each of the three speakers:
- Jason Anderson, Head of European Climate and Energy Policy, WWF European Policy Office:
“A 30% target, if achieved solely through actions within the EU, would be an important step in the right direction, as it will start the transformation of the European economy to one that is near zero carbon by 2050.”
- Joris den Blanken, Greenpeace EU Climate and Energy Policy Director:
“Independent economic research found that there is no empirical evidence that more ambitious climate policies will result in mass relocation of industries outside of the EU. Competition for European industries mainly comes from within the EU and not from producers outside Europe.”
- Matthias Duwe, Director, Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe:
“Europe will, in fact, gain jobs as a result of emission reductions, with increased investment into labour intensive sectors such as energy savings and renewable energy technology.”
Other experts from the CAN Europe network were on hand to answer questions relative to their specific areas of expertise:
- Sara Van Dyck, Bond Beter Leefmilieu Vlanderen (BBLV) – the role of the Belgian presidency, including potential adoption of the 30% communication at October Council
- Cliona Sharkey, CIDSE – development and finance issues
- Dr. Pendo Maro, HEAL – health benefits of emission reductions and how industry puts profits above health
- Ulriikka Aarnio, CAN Europe – Europe’s role in international climate negotiations
CAN Europe Media Monitoring (Jan-Jun 2011)
