Green Options » emission reductions

Will EU Member States Use Economic Crisis to Weasel out of Climate Targets?

Timothy B. Hurst — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 21:48:56 +0000

Leaders of some EU countries may use the global financial crisis as an excuse to back out of climate change commitments, according to sources close to the ongoing energy negotiations The Guardian reports that the EU council, which meets next week, will propose dropping the previous commitment to an automatic increase in emissions cuts if the world gets a major climate change agreement next year in Copenhagen - which is a big “if.”

The current EU target of a 20% reduction in emissions by 2020 is set to automatically increase to 30% if a global deal is signed. But apparently, EU is seeking a completely new legislative process if the EU target is to go over 20%.

Korea to Decrease CO2 Emissions with the ‘Act on Climate Change’

Gavin Hudson — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 08:12:24 +0000

Korea’s rapid industrialization can be felt everywhere, from the coastal landscapes, which are dotted with factories, to the large cities–Seoul, Busan, and Daegu–which often have air quality so poor that skylines are swallowed in smog.

Now, the outgoing government of Korea has passed new legislation to combat this pollution and join in the international battle against climate change.

The aptly named “Act on Climate Change” will establish an emissions trading market, raise the bar for renewable energy, assist in reducing industrial, home, and vehicle emissions, and increase carbon capture.

Media in China will Cover More Environmental Issues

Amy Stodghill — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 14:35:04 +0000

A top Chinese legislator has asked the media to help the government in controlling pollution.

During an annual media tour, where journalists representing 28 state media outlets tour the country, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, Wu Bangguo, called for a greater role for the media in raising awareness of environmental issues in China.

Wu suggested that the media should create public awareness surrounding energy use and conservation, and should cover environmental problems facing the country - more specifically calling for in depth reports on issues that get the most complaints.

This 2007 media tour is focused on topics of energy consumption and pollutant emissions - both areas that the central government are falling behind on in their targets. Although much of the state run media is, well, controlled by the state, utilizing the media to help in emission reduction and energy use targets is a good move for the country and could mean we'll see more coverage of these issues (both positive and negative) in China and beyond.

Via China.org.cn

Canadian CEOs Take Initiative to Curb Emissions

Amy Stodghill — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 20:35:45 +0000

Canadian business leaders are stepping up efforts to reduce CO2 emissions.

The Canadian Council of Chief Executives (CCCE), a non-profit, non-partisan organization made up of CEOs from Canada's leading companies has begun an Environmental Leadership Initiative to get the nation on track for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting clean technologies for a sustainable future.

As part of this initiative the CCCE has appointed a Task Force of their CEO members from all industry sectors to develop a comprehensive and realistic plan for national emission reductions.

One of the Task Force Chairs, Richard B. Evans, President and CEO of Alcan is reported as saying:

Canadian businesses already have invested a great deal in making our operations and products more energy-efficient, developing new technologies to reduce emissions and costs, and shaping sustainable business models… we realize that we can and must do more as a business community. However, this must be part of a broader, more integrated set of policies and efforts at both the federal and provincial levels that involve all Canadians.

Critics of this coalition's efforts include the Sierra Club which took issue with the fact that one third of the Task Force represents the fossil fuel industry. The implication there being that they would be inclined to make any regulations less stringent or oppose any measures at making real changes.

While one third of this Task Force may well be from the fossil fuel industry, one can't ignore that this is a big industry that must come to the table in talks to reduce green house gas emissions. Of course all of the business leaders on the Task Force will have their own bottom lines in focus while moving forward, not just the fossil fuel industry. What should be taken away from this coalition is that these big businesses realize what is at stake. Although they are contributing to the GHG problem, they are taking a leading, voluntary role in shaping the future of mitigating climate change.

Via GlobeNet via The World Business Council for Sustainable Development