EU to define positions ahead of environment summits
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European environment ministers adopted important conclusions on Thursday in preparation for the forthcoming Nagoya biodiversity summit and Cancun climate conference.
The Environment Council brought together European environment ministers on Thursday to discuss the loss of biodiversity ahead of the Nagoya summit next week, and also to adopt conclusions in preparation for the forthcoming climate conference to be held in Cancun in November.
The council reconfirmed on Thursday the European headline target of halting biodiversity loss by 2020 and restoring the ecosystem in so far as feasible, while stepping up the European Union (EU) contribution to avert global biodiversity loss.
"EU should commit itself to integrate biodiversity considerations into other relevant programs and policies," Belgian Flemish Minister for the Environment, Natural resources and Culture Joke Schauvliege said.
Environment ministers also stressed the need to reach a balance between an ambitious strategic plan and availability of capacity and resources. The council believes the Nagoya summit will be the occasion to agree on a process to increase mobilization of resources and to discuss the Access and Benefits Sharing (ABS) of genetic resources.
"Ambitions should as much as possible match with the scientific facts which are quite clear and also worrying," said Janez Potocnik, European Commissioner for Environment.
The council also adopted a mandate to present to the Cancun climate conference that states the openness of the European Union to agree to a second commitment period under the Kyoto protocol, under certain conditions.
Environment ministers also adopted conclusions on the further procedural approach following the next step beyond the 20 percents gas reduction. As a study revealed a 30 percent reduction is viable in Europe, members states will have further discussion next year.
"We want a legally binding deal done," Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard said, noting that it is crucial for major economies such as the United States and China commit to take actions against climate change.
