The
European Union has stepped up its efforts to push global warming action on the
international stage, at this week’s annual climate change conference in
Argentina. The meeting has brought together ministers and senior representatives
from almost 200 countries, and is primarily looking at the successful
implementation of Kyoto, along with ways to support developing countries in
dealing with the effects of climate change.The EU will present its Emissions Trading Scheme, which will be launched on January 1st 2005, as a concrete step for the implementation of the EU commitment under the Kyoto protocol in a cost-efficient manner.
"The Conference gives the EU and its partners, in industrialised and developing countries, the opportunity to take stock and advance in the fight against one of the most serious environmental challenges the world is facing," commented Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas. "The implementation of the Kyoto Protocol will be a very important first step, but more needs to be done. The Emissions Trading Scheme, which will take off in less than a month, shows that the EU is not shying away from its commitment to meet the Kyoto target. But it's clear that we can't succeed on our own - this is a global challenge that requires a global response."
