Seminar background

“The 40% Seminar”

Seminar on 40% emission cuts in the EU by 2020:
Mobilising Europe to achieve Climate Justice

European Parliament – April 27th 2010, 14:00-18:00
Room P7 C050, Paul Henri Spaak building

If we want to prevent the catastrophic impacts of man-made climate change, the EU has to cut emissions by at least 40% by 2020, compared to 1990 levels. Research from the Stockholm Environment Institute, commissioned by Friends of the Earth Europe, shows that this scale of domestic cuts is possible across Europe.

Europe has a historical responsibility for causing the current climate crisis. It also has capacity to act to reduce its emissions. Responding to the climate crisis presents us with a unique opportunity to achieve a just transition to a sustainable Europe.

The speakers at this seminar will show that the EU can do a lot more to combat climate change than its current commitments, and needs to adopt stronger targets for emission reductions, as well as an overarching climate policy framework.

The example of the UK climate law shows how tackling climate change can be effectively integrated into  departments across government, and provides a model for other countries and for a coordinated response at the EU level across many DGs (climate action, energy, environment, transport, industry, budget and agriculture).

Panellists will discuss how new legislation such as a legally binding EU energy efficiency target, in addition to the already existing renewables target, can help to achieve the necessary 40% domestic emission reductions. They will also look at how an overarching policy tool modelled on the UK climate law can be applied at the European level.

Participants from governments, European institutions, civil society, journalists and business associations are invited to give their views on the questions raised. 

Please register here before Friday 16 April

This seminar is organised by Friends of the Earth Europe, working with MEPs from The Greens / European Free Alliance in the European Parliament, The European People’s Party and the Alliance of Democrats and Liberals for Europe.

The 40% Seminar | Seminar agenda | Register here | About the study | Download the 40% study