We welcome the European Commission’s determination to develop a clear and ambitious post 2020 climate and energy package. Only through reaching the upper end of the 80 to 95% emission reduction target by 2050 will the EU have assumed its responsibility to avoid dangerous climate change.
For this to be achieved, current climate and energy targets and policies will need to be strengthened, and a set of post 2020 policies at the EU and national level that are ambitious, coherent, and binding are needed. This includes targets for emission reductions, energy savings, renewable energy production and international climate finance.
This paper focuses on the elements that post 2020 objectives should include and addresses the key policy debates. A strong commitment from the EU and its Member States to decarbonise the European economy will contribute to policy goals in multiple areas: boosting competitiveness, completing the single European market, creating sustainable growth and jobs, enhancing resource efficiency, and contributing to the EU’s objectives for peace building.
CAN Europe briefing on a New Climate and Energy Package (Feb 2013)
