The 1997 Kyoto Protocol

Recognising the clear scientific consensus that man-made climate change is occurring, and that unless urgent action is taken the predicted consequences will be catastrophic, ELDR calls upon all nations which have not yet ratified and implemented the 1997 Kyoto Protocol to do so forthwith.  ELDR calls upon the EU Commission and the Council of Ministers to take tough action to ensure that the Member States fulfil the commitment to an 8% reduction of the 1990 levels of greenhouse gas emissions by 2012.  Recalling the Member States’ previous declaration that by 2010 over 20% of all electricity produced in the EU should come from renewable sources, ELDR calls on the Commission and the Council of Ministers to make that target binding on Member States and for more ambitious targets for the use of renewable sources in the longer term.
A Post-Kyoto Framework based on Contraction and Convergence

ELDR reaffirms its support for a new Europe-South initiative for a long-term global framework to cap carbon dioxide emissions through rich countries contracting their greenhouse gases emissions to the level needed to stabilise the climate, with the aim that global emissions converge at that level, with the same emission allocation for everyone worldwide, and common institutions to ensure and support compliance under democratic control ('contraction and convergence').  This entails at least a 60% reduction in global carbon dioxide emissions by 2050, and if allowance is made for increased emissions by developing countries, an even greater reduction in emissions from developed countries. The framework must include international aviation (which is currently outside the Kyoto protocol), and may include trade in personal carbon allowances.  ELDR calls on all nations to devise such a framework urgently, and deplores the insistence of the Australian and United States governments on remaining outside a post-2012 framework, in view of the scientific consensus on devastating consequences if current trends continue.

Regulatory Measures to Promote Energy Conservation

ELDR welcomes the Eco-Design Directive and calls for stringent minimum energy conservation standards for all appliance groups.
 
Technologies for a Sustainable Future

To achieve long-term independence from fossil fuel use, ELDR welcomes increased resources for research and development of renewable energy sources, with methods to help restore the global sustainability, such as carbon capture and storage technology, and their implementation in partnership with developing nations.  ELDR calls for a Low-Carbon International Development Plan which is focused on development with low carbon emissions.  ELDR recognises the urgent need for a robust, internationally-recognised mandatory carbon accreditation scheme setting standards for both domestically produced and imported biofuels, to ensure that they deliver emissions savings and do not cause environmental damage in producer countries, as part of a cohesive strategy for a shift to energy derived only from sustainable sources.

Working with the Natural World

Recognising the vital importance of natural ecosystems such as forests and wetlands in maintaining global climate stability as well as in supporting biodiversity, ELDR calls for the EU in partnership with other nations to preserve, protect and expand them.  ELDR welcomes the Commission’s proposed new EU plan to halt biodiversity loss.