A
recent and controversial ‘Communication’ to member states sets out
key elements that should shape the EU’s climate action helping the
EU become a competitive low carbon economy by 2050.

The approach is based on the view that
innovative solutions are required to mobilize investments in
energy, transport, industry and information and communication
technologies, and more focus is needed on energy efficiency
policies.

It presents a href=”http://ec.europa.eu/clima/documentation/roadmap/docs/com_2011_112_en.pdf”
target=”_blank”>Roadmap for possible
action up to 2050 which could enable the EU to deliver greenhouse
gas reductions in line with the 80 to 95% target agreed.

It also outlines milestones which would show
whether the EU is on course for reaching its target, policy
challenges, investment needs and opportunities in different
sectors, bearing in mind that the 80 to 95% reduction objective in
the EU will largely need to be met internally.

The Commission’s detailed analysis of cost-effective ways of
reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 has produced a number of
important findings. 

First, in order to be in line with the 80 to 95% overall GHG
reduction objective by 2050, the Roadmap indicates that a cost
effective and gradual transition would require a 40% domestic
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 as a
milestone for 2030, and 80% for 2050.

Building on what has already been achieved, the EU needs to
start working now on appropriate strategies to move in this
direction, and all Member States should soon develop national low
carbon Roadmaps if not already done. The Commission is prepared to
provide some of the necessary tools and policies. 

Second, the analysis also shows that with existing policies, the
EU will achieve the goal of a 20% GHG reduction domestically by
2020. If the revised Energy Efficiency Plan would be fully and
effectively implemented meeting the 20% energy efficiency target,
this would enable the EU to outperform the current 20% emission
reduction target and achieve 25% reductions. 

Third, as well as reducing the threat of dangerous climate
change as part of ambitious global action, deep
reductions in the EU’s emissions have the potential to deliver
benefits in the form of savings on fossil fuel imports and
improvements in air quality and public health.

 

Fourth, the Roadmap gives ranges for emissions reductions for 2030
and 2050 for key sectors. To realise these milestones as
cost-effectively as possible, and to maximise benefits for EU
manufacturing industries, the implementation of the Strategic
Energy Technology Plan is of crucial importance.

Considering the important labour market
implications, the New Skills and Jobs Agenda will need to support
the transition process.

 

The Commission intends to use the Roadmap as a basis for developing
sector specific policy initiatives and Roadmaps, such as the 2050
Energy Roadmap and the upcoming White Paper on Transport.


The Commission will initiate the appropriate
sectoral dialogues. The Commission will continue to ensure that the
EU ETS remains a key instrument to drive low carbon investments in
a cost-efficient manner. It will also remain attentive to the risk
of carbon leakage in order to ensure a level-playing field for
industry.

 

As part of the development of the next Multi-Annual Financial
Framework, it will also examine how EU funding can support
instruments and investments that are necessary to promote the
transition to a low carbon economy, taking into account the
specificities of sectors, countries and regions. 

There has been much commentary pro and con
regarding the proposed Roadmap, and E.U. Environment
Commissioner Connie Hedegaard will have a tough job bringing all
parties in line for its implementation.