Labour in Europe: Combating climate change
CLIMATE change is one of the biggest threats our world today faces - with environmental, social and economic implications. The vast majority of scientists agree that it's real. It's already happening, and it's a result of human activity. Indeed, the changes can already be seen;
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The number of severe storms and droughts is increasing
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The earth's temperature has risen
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Glaciers are melting and sea levels are rising
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Plants and animals are being forced from their homes
To keep the level of global warming below two degrees, the threshold beyond which irreversible and possibly catastrophic changes become more likely, urgent global action is necessary.
Europe is leading the world with its efforts to tackle climate change. So far, some 35 measures have been implemented under the European Climate Change Programme (ECCP). European Government have also recently agreed new targets to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
Among the key targets are:
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- At least a 20% cut in EU carbon emissions from 1990 levels by 2020 (30% of other countries agree to to the same)
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- At least 20%of the EU's energy needs to be met from renewable sources by 2020.
Labour in Europe has been at the forefront of European efforts to tackle climate change. As the European Parliament's rapporteur on the EU strategy for sustainable, secure and competitive energy in 2006 I produced a report urging tough EU targets to limit carbon emissions and boost renewable energy.
Labour MEPs are committed to working with their colleagues in Europe to ensure the EU rises to the challenge of climate change.
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