An international response to Climate Change at Bali conference December 2008
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An international response to Climate Change at Bali conference December 2008
Wed, 03/12/2008 - 14:27
What's needed now is international action so that we can all collectively ensure that carbon dioxide emissions are substantially reduced in the near future. That's why I fully support the 20/20 and 50/50 EU commitments to reduce carbon emissions.
Bali represents a real window of opportunity for us to agree an official mandate and framework for in order to secure clear and firm international commitments for post 2012. In Bali, let the foundations of the building blocks and Roadmap commence based on a shared vision, firm commitments from developed countries, the expansion of the use of carbon markets, the strengthening of co-operation on technological research and the reduction of deforestation.
Let's not forget that the EU needs to deliver at home and I look forward to President Poettering´s proposal in February on how the European Parliament can itself reduce its carbon footprint.
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Now is the time for the EU to come together with the incoming US administration but the current Poznan discussions are not encouraging.
The Copenhagen summit in a year's time will be crucial. If the world does not agree on a strong programme there, there will be no credible global response to this challenge. The Euro Parliament elections in June will be the time for the people of Europe to give their leaders a mandate for tackling this issue.
The Lisbon Treaty was supposed to give the EU a new focus on climage change but the Irish referendum means we cannot wait for that Treaty to be in place.
I really disagree with voices claiming that car owners should drive less or pay more taxes for their "contribution" to global pollution.
Big majority of pollution comes from industry. Why not tax them? Why do they always blame drivers?
In my opinion good solution would be lower taxes on new cars. New cars = newer technologies, which means less pollution.
Tax return for people buying cars with hybrid engine? Why not.