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Press release / 7 May 2019

Press release: European stakeholders call for immediate action in face of climate emergency

Brussels, 7 May 2019 - In an unprecedented Climate Action Call published today, a broad coalition is urging European leaders to take decisive action to respond to the climate emergency. Hundreds of European cities, regions, businesses, youth and faith groups and civil society organisations working on climate, human rights, litigation, mobilization, sports and health call upon leaders to profoundly alter the way we run our societies and economies to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C.

The Climate Action Call comes prior to both the EU Heads of State and Government debate on the Future of Europe at the Sibiu summit on 9 May, and the European elections between 23 and 26 May. Climate change is expected to be a central issue in both events, having recently gained prominence in the form of mass citizens' protests demanding political action.

Signatories of the Climate Action Call demand that current and future EU leaders respond to public mobilization by publicly committing to make climate action a priority for Europe during both the Future of Europe and elections debates. The call spells out five steps for the new European Parliament and Commission, as well as all EU Member State governments:

  1. Commit to accelerate actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reach net zero emissions as soon as possible.
  2. Plan the end of the use of fossil fuels and provide strong support to energy efficiency, renewable energy and emission cuts outside the energy sector.
  3. Safeguard a just and fair transition and ensure that the EU increases its support to developing countries to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
  4. Increase efforts to roll out the circular economy and increase resource efficiency.
  5. Recognise biodiversity protection and ecosystem restoration as a crucial component of climate action.

The signatories include some of Europe's largest networks of cities and regions (e.g. C40, Energy Cities, Climate Alliance, Fedarene, CPMR), most influential business groups (e.g. Corporate Leaders Group, Haga Initiative, Climate Leadership Council), the largest European NGO coalition on climate and energy (Climate Action Network Europe), and members of an international movement of striking school students (Youth for Climate, Fridays for Future) [1].

Both ENDS as a member of Climate Action Network Europe, has also signed the Climate Action Call. Danielle Hirsch, Director of Both ENDS said: "Climate change and its impacts are real, both in Europe and globally. As Europe, we have the responsibility as a major climate polluter as well as the power, money and knowledge to stop climate change from happening. Meanwhile, and despite continuous statement by our political leadership about the need to combat climate change, no concrete changes are made in any of the key policy fields. This has to change. As of today, European member states should start divesting from fossil fuel industries and use public finance to stimulate sustainable cities, transport and food system. We shouldn't waste more words. What is needed is action."

 

 

More information:

  • Contact Both ENDS: Marjolein van Rijn (Communications), m.vanrijn@bothends.org / +31 20 530 6607
  • Contact CAN Europe: Ania Drazkiewicz (Head of Communications), ania@caneurope.org, +32 494 525 738
  • The Climate Action Call and the list of signatories can be found here: http://climateactioncall.caneurope.org/

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Themes

  • Trade and investments
  • Climate justice
  • Human rights and gender
  • Public finance for development

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