25 November 2009 - UK Green MEP welcomes Euro-Parliament vote on tough targets for climate talks

The European Parliament today adopted a resolution – with a large majority (1) – that sets out its position on EU strategy going into the international climate talks in Copenhagen in December.

The resolution includes a call for an annual €30 billion climate financing from the EU to developing countries and a crucial reference to scientists’ recommendations for the EU to achieve 40% domestic emissions reductions by 2020.

South East MEP Caroline Lucas, Green Party leader, commented:

"The European Parliament has today called for the EU to make clear and improved commitments as it goes into critical climate talks in Copenhagen.

“MEPs have voted for the EU to acknowledge that its contribution to funding for climate mitigation and adaptation in developing countries must rise to at least €30bn per annum by 2020.

“The EU still has time before Copenhagen to make an unconditional commitment to 30% emissions reductions by 2020. This kind of leadership would breathe life into flagging hopes for the summit.

“It would also move the EU closer to meeting its past and present climate responsibilities. This would involve at least 40% emissions reductions by 2020, to be achieved domestically and not through offsets in developing countries.

“The only negative outcome of today’s vote was a move towards nuclear energy, with the resolution being regrettably hijacked by vested interests that are trying to use climate change as an excuse to promote nuclear. Low carbon does not have to mean high cost and high risk. The nuclear option is no match for quicker, cheaper and more efficient renewables."

Caroline Lucas concluded: “The Copenhagen summit can only be judged a real success if it reaches a binding agreement in line with keeping global warming below the 2°C threshold. While expectations have been downplayed, the EU can show political leadership and hopefully win a positive result in Copenhagen by listening to Parliament and committing to these ambitious policies now.”

Notes to editors

(1) 516 votes for, 92against, 70 abstentions