EU-president Juncker states only ‘political will’ can prevent risks climate change

The European Commission is determined to make the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris (COP 21) a success. President Jean-Claude Juncker of the European Commission gave a statement yesterday during the Leaders Event in Paris. “We do know today the risks that we face tomorrow. We can prevent them. It is a question of political will and of action. That is what is at stake at this conference.”

The EU wants to limit global warming to a global average increase of 2°C, get a commitment to reduce Greenhouse gases by at least 60% by 2050 compared to 2010 and the decarbonisation of the world economy by the end of the century. According to Juncker the European Union is aiming for a reduction of Greenhouse gases by 40% (compared with 1990) in 2030.

Strategy to Climate Change
The European Commission has adopted a EU Strategy to Climate Change. This strategy has three main objectives. Promoting the adoption of comprehensive adaptation strategies and promoting action by Member States and provide funding for adaptation projects (1). Promoting better informed decision-making by addressing gaps in knowledge about adaptation and further developing the European Climate Adaptation Platform (Climate-ADAPT) as the ‘one-stop shop’ for adaptation information in Europe (2) and promoting adaptation in key vulnerable sectors through agriculture, fisheries and cohesion policy, ensuring that Europe’s infrastructure is made more resilient, and encouraging the use of insurance against natural and man-made disasters.