As COP21 will take place from 30 November to 11 December 2015, I will write some posts to help you to better understand its stakes and the role of the European Union in tackling global warming. After a general introduction to COP21, EU competences and EU policy for climate and environment, let’s see the EU process for environmental protection and fight against climate change.
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© EMAH
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EU actions so far
From 1957 with the Treaty of Rome, environmental protection is a European concern.
In 1973, EU Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment (DG ENV) is created to protect the environment in Europe.
In 1986, the Single European Act widens EU competences in this area in order “to preserve, protect and improve the quality of the environment, to contribute towards protecting human health, and to ensure a prudent and rational utilisation of natural resources”. This is a shared competence with Member States.
In 1992 with the Treaty of Maastricht, environment becomes a EU policy.
In 2001, the European Union adopts a EU strategy for sustainable development called Göteborg Strategy. It involves economic, social and environmental strands. Its objectives for environmental protection were the following:
- Limiting climate change in accordance with the Kyoto protocol;
- Developing green transport means;
- Involving ecology in economic development;
- Sustainably managing the natural resources;
- Limiting negative effects of chemicals on health and environment;
- Promoting these objectives worldwide.
Outcomes regarding objectives set previously were disappointing: the EU chose to renew the objectives and to strengthen its action in environmental protection and fight against climate change.
EU action nowadays
EUROPE 2020 Strategy was adopted in 2010 and promotes a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Objectives for tackling climate change and protecting environment are:
- Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases by 20% (30% if possible) compared to 1990;
- Using 20% of renewable energy;
- Increasing by 20% energy efficiency (limiting energy consumption for the same performance as before).
Regarding COP21, the EU sets itself different objectives:
- Reaching a universal, ambitious and binding agreement;
- Revising the agreement every five years to improve its impact;
- Easing its implementation in full transparency;
- Financing the actions taken within the framework of the agreement with public and private sources.
The EU presented several proposals to reach an agreement. It mobilises considerable financial resources to support the adaptation of vulnerable countries to climate change and the energy transition within the Member States.
The EU representatives at COP21 are Luxembourg's Minister for Environment Carole Dieschbourg and European Commissioner for Climate and Energy Miguel Arias Cañete. If an agreement is reached, the signing is planned in early 2016.
Source:
http://www.eu2015lu.eu/en/agenda/2015/11/30-11-cop21/index.html
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