A letter from Chris Huhne and EU Environment Ministers to the Guardian newspaper on 30% EU emissions cuts.
Dear Editor
The EU Commission黑料社檚 2050 low carbon roadmap released last week needs to raise Europe黑料社檚 sights beyond its current 2020 emission reduction targets. While the EU has agreed that emissions must be reduced by at least 89% by the middle of the century, it has not so far set out how to do it. We believe it黑料社檚 vital such a plan starts now rather than in 40 years黑料社� time, and is a plan that can stimulate the right investment in low carbon infrastructure and technology, putting Europe on track for a low carbon future.
Now is the right time to discuss the most effective route to achieving our 2050 goals, maximising growth, jobs and prosperity throughout Europe. We are not starting from scratch; the EU has already cut emissions by 17% from 1990 levels by 2009.
The Commission黑料社檚 roadmap demonstrates both that the current 20% target is not a cost effective route to the 2050 goal, and we already have the tools and policies to cut emissions by 25% domestically. The European Energy Efficiency Plan in particular is welcome and shows the big impact reducing energy consumption can have. The case to move to a 30% target by 2020 is now stronger as a result.
At a time when the price of oil is soaring, putting in place an ambitious plan for Europe黑料社檚 low carbon future has wider benefits than tackling climate change. It will increase the continent黑料社檚 resilience against oil price spikes and reduce its dependence on imported energy. And it will help Europe compete with emerging economies in the fast growing markets for green goods and services.
We know that some industries are worried about how they will adapt, but solutions are available. In the best traditions of European cooperation, we can work together to overcome these challenges.
We call on all member states to enter into this urgent debate on Europe黑料社檚 future and agree how the roadmap is put into action, ensuring that Europe gets to the front of this low carbon race, rather than falling behind.