Climate Change TV » European Union (EU)

Patrick Finnegan (June 2011)

francesca — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 05:10:45 +0000

Patrick Finnegan, from Irish NGO GRIAN, takes a look at the negotiations today and the potential to a Second Commitment Period where Europe could go it alone. Given current behavioural issues in the US (and a week where they have singularly blocked action on finance), this looks more and more intriguing. He believes Japan and Russia could get on board, but Canada would bottle out.

Artur Runge Metzger (June 2011)

francesca — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:11:39 +0000

EU’s lead negotiator, Artur Runge Metzger, explains EU hopes for post 2012. Pledges from Cancun need to be backed up by domestic policies, and there needs to be a treaty which accounts for more of the emissions than the Protocol currently does. He notes how EU emissions peaked in 1990, but over two decades, on worldwide emissions continue to rise.

Andrej Kranjc (April 2011)

climatechangetv — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 17:23:26 +0000

Head of the Slovenian delegation, Andrej Kranjc, explains how they are looking for a balanced agenda for mitigation for both developed and developing countries. He discusses how we should be using the Bali Action Plan as well as the Cancun Agreements and says they are in favour of moving to higher targets (30%).

Staffan Tillander

climatechangetv — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:31:09 +0000

Staffan Tillander, Sweden’s Ambassador for Climate Change, explores the isssue of targets noting Sweden’s progress, and the EU ambitions. He states that, contrary to concerns, the Hungarian and Polish Presidencies this year will drive it forward.

Pavel Zamyslicky (December 2010)

francesca — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 16:36:59 +0000

Pavel Zamyslicky – Director of Dept of Climate Change for the Czech Republic – talks about the balanced package and hopes for a treaty from South Africa, with agreed targets from the biggest emitters.

Brice Lalonde (December 2010)

francesca — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 20:56:00 +0000

France’s Ambassador for Climate Change, Brice Lalonde, brings us up to date with EU perspective, emphasising they are looking for a deal, and are willing to engage in a second commitment period. He says other major emitters need to commit to targets, but that GHG emissions are reducing. There still remain problems with montoring and reporting.

Lykke Friis (December 2010)

francesca — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 12:46:38 +0000

Denmark’s Minister for Climate and Energy and Minister for Gender Equality, Lykke Friis, explains that we are getting into the “end game”, and support for the Mexican presidency to create a compromise. She expresses concern at a potential belly flop, and that political will is paramount to assemble a balanced package. She touches on the potential 30% targets for the EU, and says it is on the agenda and that the UK and Denmark are pushing for it.

Connie Hedegaard (December 2010)

francesca — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:38:03 +0000

European Commissioner for Climate Action, Connie Hedegaard talks about EU targets, but focuses on the fact that parties need to do more in the future.

Olivier Arino (December 2010)

francesca — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 20:33:49 +0000

Senior Advisor for the European Space Agency explains how they are improving ways of collecting and sharing data to challenge climate change. He explains how the data shows clearly that climate change is happening – with sea level rise and retreating glaciers. He explains how ESA is helping monitor the essential climate variables (ECVs) and introduces the Sentinel Series of satellites, in cooperation with the European Union, with the aim of providing the much needed continuity of data.

Luc Bas (November 2010)

climatechangetv — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 14:03:51 +0000

Luc Bas, European Programmes Director of the Climate Group, says the possible 30% targets could be realised from energy savings and efficiencies. He looks at the oportunities thrown up by the recession, and refers to a report from DC Delft where it says that 80% savings could be achieved in industry. Transport and buildings are particular high-impact areas. He explains why the sheer speed of development means China is both a leader in the green revolution, while being responsible for 20% of global emissions. He says China fully understand the situation and the finite resources and will act on this (not least because of the country’s deteriorating health), but that every government should do more.