The developments in Brussels strongly influence the mood here in Poznan. If Europe is not giving the leadership in climate change policy that we need, we cannot expect other nations to agree to any measures. At an informal meeting with German NGOs, German environmental minister Sigmar Gabriel showed deep concern about the development in Brussels.

At a press conference of the Climate Action Network Europe (CAN), strong words were used about the state of discussions at Brussels:

It is an embarassment, that Europe even discusses the possibility that 60% of a 20% emissions reduction could be offset with Clean Development Mechanisms (CDMs). Effectively, that would mean emissions reduction of just 4% within the European countries until 2020! And that while climate change is proceeding faster than the worst assumptions of the IPCC estimated, and while IPCC recommends a reduction of at least 25-40%. The possibility that up to 15% of the assets achieved from the European Trading System (ETS) could be used for new coal fired power plants is a “perverse measure.” At the moment, more than 50 coal fired power plants are being planned in the EU. If Europe is serious about its climate goals, then Europe needs to act more consistently. 96% of the emissions of heavy industry are exempted from any auctioning. No assets from the European Trading System (ETS) have been ear-marked for developing countries. Even though Germany currently is spending 20% of the ETS assets for CDMs, it opposes the idea of a European-wide regulation. Instead, it is supposed to be under national regulations how the money is being spent. This would be a severe loss for developing countries.

On a positive note, even in the darkest days there is hope. This is a dark day for European Climate Action. Therefore, CAN Europe calls upon all Europeans, citizens, politicians, industry, to reject that “awful legislation”.

The legislation is not decided upon yet. But hopes are lowe here in Poznan that there will be any major changes in the current proposal. The current proposal sets the bar awfully low, and it severely hurts the trust of the world that Europe indeed can be the leader in climate change.

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