The European Union THE EUROPEAN UNION Lesson 9 How is the EU addressing the issue of climate change?

The European Union Effects on the EU from Climate Change Some impacts of global warming on the environment: Greater threats to marine bio-systems and loss of habitat Waterlogging of lakes and wetlands Thawing of glaciers and upward shift of tree line and increased rock fall Reduced ski season Increased salinity of inland seas Biodiversity losses Severe fires in drained peatland and forests Increased drought Increased land loss in estuaries and deltas

The European Union Effects on the EU from Climate Change Some impacts of global warming on human activity: Increased coastal erosions and flooding Increased vulnerability of infrastructure and urban areas to extreme weather Decreased crop yield and suitable crop areas Increased land loss in estuaries and deltas Reduced water availability Less hydropower Increased health effects of heat waves Increased energy demand in summer

The European Union Climate change – a global challenge To stop global warming, EU leaders decided in 2007 to: reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020 (30% if other developed countries do likewise) improve energy efficiency by 20% by 2020 raise the share of renewable energy to 20% by 2020 (wind, solar, hydro power, biomass)

The European Union EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Since January 2005, carbon dioxide (CO2) is a tradable commodity ETS places a 'cap' on the amount of carbon dioxide that participating installations can emit every year So far, only energy intensive industries are covered, e.g. steel works, oil refineries and power stations More efficient installations can sell their remaining allowances Less efficient installations must face a hefty fine or buy allowances from others The ETS fosters research on greater energy efficiency and should ultimately reduce pollution

The European Union EU funded programs include: The Intelligent Energy-Europe Program (IEE), with a €730 million (US$950 million) budget allocated for LIFE, the EU’s financial program supporting environmental conservation projects. Since 1992, LIFE has co-financed some 3115 initiatives, such as: –Wind technology –Energy recovery from landfill bio-gas –Habitat restoration and recovery –Biodiversity

The European Union Environmental Protection A leader in global efforts to protect the environment, maintaining rigorous and comprehensive systems at home. Plays a key role in developing and implementing international agreements. Executing a “cap and trade” system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions Takes the lead in the fight against global warming with the adoption of binding energy targets (cutting 20% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2020). Addressing Global Challenges Source: German Information Center USA

The European Union Improving Health and the Environment Cleaner bathing water Much less acid rain Lead-free gasoline Free and safe disposal of old electronic equipment © Van Parys Media Strict rules on food safety from farm to fork More organic farming More effective health warnings on cigarettes Registration and control of all chemicals (REACH) Pollution knows no borders – EU action has helped bring: