What’s the air in Europe?

Twelve years have passed since the Kyoto Protocol against global warming, calling for greenhouses gas reduction programs, was adopted by the UN Climate Change Framework Convention. Owing to the slow pace of the ratifications (184 until today, with the remarkable absence of the U.S.), its enforcement took place only recently, on February 2005. Thus, less then 4 years later the International Community is ready to address the new UN Conference on Climate Change, scheduled for next December 7-18 in Copenhagen. A series of questions ensue: what has been done in this short period of time to meet Kyoto’s ambitious objectives? What has been Europe’ contribution? What is the new Copenhagen agenda? What are the new objectives of the EU in particular and of the world as a whole? In Kyoto “the Great Nations of the planet” had to surrender to the evidence of season alterations, the ozone hole increase, the melting polar glaciers, coastlines eroding into sea, the ever-more frequent natural disasters along with simmering world temperatures. According to the latest report of the European Environment Agency – EEA – across the EU, gas emission was meanly reduced by less than 1%. Positive figures were registered only in Finland, Germany and in the Netherlands while Italy, Denmark and Spain rank last. It should be noted that in 1998 the EU had proclaimed it would reduce emissions by 15% before 2012. The global picture is similar. Indeed, Kyoto’s harshest detractors point at “warm air” emissions and a net 27% emission increase. Now it’s the turn of Copenhagen, due to open under pessimistic auspices. In fact, a few days ago EU Finance Ministers failed to reach an agreement regarding the Commission’s proposal to set aside €15billion per year until 2020. Now the baton – that appears to conceal stands mirroring the US’, given President Obama’s decision to commit the US administration to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050 and the recent similar stand taken by Brussels along with the approval of the draft negotiating document on the part of EU Environment ministers) – passes over to the 27-Heads of Government and State due to convene in Brussels at the end of October. The over 200-page final resolution is nearing completion. The UN Climate Change Convention Sherpa and Government heads are called to reach before late an agreement on four major issues, whose failure would undermine Kyoto’s positive outcome: 1) up to what point are industrialized countries willing to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions? 2) do the major developing Countries like India and China set a limit to emission reduction? 3) Is it possible to grant financial aid to less developed Countries and help them reduce emissions to counter climate change? How should the allocated financial resources be managed? While it’s true that Third World Countries claim they cannot commit themselves without external support, it ought to be remembered that industrialization and development unfortunately have always gone hand in hand with a massive use of highly polluting hydrocarbons. The message that Third World Countries are sending to the rest of the world is both serious and tragic: “help us develop, but be aware that we will pollute just like you did over the past fifty years. You ought to take the burden of our development and of our pollution since we can’t afford to”. Thus, the Copenhagen Conference – whose matter at stake extends beyond the horizons of climate change – ought to make a twofold proposal that includes countering pollution along with “green cooperation”. Here Europe must live up to its qualities and aspirations. Internal commitments are not sufficient. Only through political and economic action motivated by science and conscience will Europe become a credible global partner for sustainable development along with financial aid, while the environment and solidarity will be the new irreplaceable banner.