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Policy background
The Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted on 11 December 1997. However, this treaty, which contains legally binding quantitative commitments for industrialised countries, still has not entered into force. The European Union has committed itself to reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in order to limit the negative impacts of man-made climate change. Under the Kyoto Protocol, the Union as a whole has taken on a target of reducing levels by 8% from 1990 levels by 2012. The unique political set-up of the Union divides its policy-making into EU and Member State level. In the field of climate policy, it is recognised that 'common and co-ordinated policies and measures' at Community level are necessary, as the EC itself is a Party to the international climate treaty. However, these measures are a supplement to national climate policy. The countries are responsible for their relative share under the EU burden sharing agreement (BSA). Domestic implementation remains a vital part of successful emission abatement.

The implementation strategy at EU level follows the European Climate Change Programme (ECCP). Member State policies are diverse. Some countries started elaborating climate plans more than ten years ago, others have only recently begun to systematically take on the challenge of reducing their GHGs or limiting their increase.

 
  Links


http://www.climnet.org
 http://www.ecotax.net


 
 


Aims

• The protection of the environmental integrity of the Protocol.

• The promotion of effective policies that will lead to at least the reductions agreed by the EU in Kyoto by 2010.

• Adoption of initial targets beyond 2010.

Activities

• Work closely with Climate Action Network Europe to add EEB's weight where necessary and possible

• Highlight win-win situations between the climate issue on the one hand and desired policies with regards to waste, agriculture, air pollution and integrated pollution prevention and control.







  

 
EUROPEAN ENVIRONMENTAL BUREAU
Federation of Environmental Citizens Organisations
Last updated: 15/01/07