Europe’s piece in the puzzle of global climate cooperation

The European Commission has just proposed Europe’s ‘contribution’ to the international climate negotiations that should be finalised with a new agreement in Paris in December 2015. Overall, the Commission’s proposed contribution, and the vision it provides for the Paris agreement, is an encouraging first step. Some points may require further clarification, writes Teresa Ribera. Extract: "What does the EU’s contribution tell us about its ambitions? It proposes, firstly, a reduction in EU GHG emissions of 40% by 2030 from 1990 levels and stresses its coherence to the previously adopted long-term goal of an 80% reduction for the EU by 2050. According to the Commission, this long-term emissions pathway reflects Europe’s fair and ambitious share of global efforts to limit warming to 2 degrees. In terms of overall emissions, the Commission’s proposed contribution is transparent and could serve as a model for other countries to follow." >> Read the op-ed online [...]