EU challenges US
and China
The
European Union makes clear it is ready to reduce its greenhouse
gas emissions by 30 percent by 2020 compared to 1990 levels
- if the US and China "do their part".
Morten Andersen - 18/12/2009 - The European Union will raise
its emission reduction target from the 20 percent previously
announced by 2020 to 30 percent "in a global ambitious
agreement".
This
was announced by Fredrik Reinfeldt, Prime Minister of Sweden
that holds the rotating EU presidency, as he addressed the
plennary of the UN conference in Copenhagen on Friday afternoon.
"We
use the conditional 30 percent reduction as a lever to bring
others with us to raised ambitions. We will keep that pressure!"
Fredrik Reinfeldt said.
More
specifically he challenged the United States and China:
"Together
you are responsible for half of the global greenhouse gas
emissions. You have different responsibilities and capabilities.
From the United States we expect, as from developed countries,
a legally binding economy-wide commitment to reduce emissions.
From China we expect binding actions. Your ability to reduce
emissions will be absolutely critical. It is promising that
you have come forward with your contributions in an international
context. However, the world needs more and we are confident
that you have the ability to deliver more."
The
present ambitions of the US and China will not be enough
to keep global warming below two degrees Celsius, Fredrik
Reinfeldt made clear:
"Therefore
I turn to you, as a friend and a committed partner, and
I say: United States and China: unleash your full potential
and thereby the world's efforts - make it possible for the
world to stay below two degrees!"
Da UNFCCC
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