Environmental Management In Europe

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

The EU climate change policy

in an international context

Individual Assignment

University Hohenheim

Master Programme

„Environmental Science – Soil, Water and Biodiversity"

Written by

Kirstin Inga Ulrichs

Matriculation number: 533263 ♦Bei den Linden 9 ♦-D- 72631 Aichtal

Hohenheim, 27

th

of January 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of contents

Abbreviations ............................................................................................................................. 1

1. Introduction............................................................................................................................ 2

2. Current and future greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions ........................................................... 2

3. Kyoto Protocol ........................................................................................................................ 5

4. Targets and measures of the EU ............................................................................................ 6

5. European Economy ................................................................................................................ 7

6. International negotiations...................................................................................................... 8

7. Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 9

References................................................................................................................................ 10

ABBREVIATIONS

- 1 -

Abbreviations

CDM clean development mechanism

COP Conference of the Parties

DECC Department of Energy and Climate Change

EC European Commission

ECCP European Climate Change Programme

EEA European Environment Agency

EU ETS EU Emission Trading Scheme

EU European Union

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GHG Greenhouse Gas

IEA International Energy Agency

JI joint implementation

LULUCF Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry

UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

1. INTRODUCTION

- 2 -

1. Introduction

Global warming threatens the earth. The temperatures in the 21

st

century are among the 13

highest since the beginning of records in 1880 (NOAA, 2011). The international community

awake to combat global warming and to mitigate further negative effects of climate change.

Thus reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is indispensable. Since 1995 there are annual

conferences about climate change issues and possible solutions. The European Union is one

of the key players in the fight against climate change.

In this essay I will analyse the climate change policy in the EU in relation to international

climate change negotiations. At this I will summarize the current and future greenhouse gas

(GHG) emissions, the Kyoto protocol, targets and measures, the European economy as well

as the position of the EU in international climate change negotiations.

2. Current and future greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

CO2from the atmosphere can be stored in vegetation and soils. Human activities as land use,

land use change and forestry (LULUCF) can influencethe terrestrial ecosystems. This aspect

can be taken into account when specifying GHG emissions. The main GHGs are carbon

dioxide (CO2), methane (CH

4), nitrous oxide (N

2

O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs),

perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF

6

) (UNFCCC, 2012b). Table 1 shows the

total GHG emissions in the EU, the U.S., Japan, Canada and Russia in the year 2009. On a

global scale, China is with 7,710.50 mil tonnes thefront-runner of CO

2

-emitters (Rogers and

Evans, 2011). Within the Annex I countries, the United States have the highest GHG

emissions, followed by the European Union (see table 1). Total GHG emissions fall down if

LULUCF is included (cf. table 1). That points out that CO2

is absorbed by plants and soil,

leading to lower GHG emissions.

2. CURRENT AND FUTURE GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG)EMISSIONS

- 3 -

Table 1: Total GHG emissions in 2009 excluding and including LULUCF. EU-27 refers to the 27 member states of

the European Union, whereas EU-15 refers to the 15 European member states prior to May 2004.

Source: adapted from UNFCCC (2009).

country GHGs excluding LULUCF

in Gg CO

2

eq.

GHGs including LULUCF

in Gg CO

2

eq.

European Union - 27 4,614,526 4,182,394

European Union - 15 3,723,714 3,430,389

United States of America 6,608,227 5,618,165

Japan 1,209,213 1,137,690

Canada 691,834 679,734

Russia 2,127,354 1,477,756

Data about CO2

emissions per capita differ a lot from data about the total emissions. The

highest global per capita GHG emissions in 2009 were recorded in small countries or islands

like Gibraltar, Virgin Islands or Qatar (Rogers andEvans, 2011). Within the EU, EU-27

member states reached per capita emission values of9.2 t CO

2

eq. and EU-15 member states

of 9.4 t CO2

eq. in 2009 (EC, 2011b). But there are also big differences between the member

states. Latvia got with 4.7 t CO

2

eq. the lowest per capita emission and Luxembourg with

23.7 t CO

2

eq. the highest (EC, 2011b). In comparison to these numbers, the U.S. had in 2009

per capita emissions of 21.3 t CO2eq., Japan 9.7, Canada 18.8 and Russia 23.1 t CO

2

eq.

(World Resources Institute, 2011).

The described aggregate GHG emissions in the EU aredivided between different sectors. The

sectors and the corresponding amounts of GHG in Gg CO2

are listed in table 2.

2. CURRENT AND FUTURE GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG)EMISSIONS

- 4 -

Table 2: Total GHG emissions in Gg CO

2 divided by sectors in the EU.

Data are from the year 2009. Source: UNFCCC (2011).

Sectors Total GHGs in

Gg CO2

Energy 3,659,751

......Fuel Combustion 3,578,422

............Energy Industries 1,412,324

............Manuf. Industries and Construction 531,814

............Transport 932,135

............Other Sectors 693,230

............Other (Not elsewhere specified) 8,921

......Fuel Fugitive Emissions 81,329

Industrial Processes 320,760

Solvent and Other Product Use 11,442

Agriculture 476,042

LULUCF -432,132

Waste 146,531

International bunkers 292,502

......Aviation 133,256

......Marine 159,247

Figure 1 shows the distribution of GHGs in

the EU by sectors. Obviously the energy

sector produces most of the GHGs.

LULUCF is the only sector that reduces

GHG emissions (see table 1).

Fig. 1: Percentage of total GHG emissions per sector in

the EU. Data are from 2009. Source: EEA, 2011c.

- 5 -

Based on actual emission trends and policies, annual GHG emissions increase significantly.

Global emissions will hardly reach the annual amount of 70 Gt CO

2

eq. in 2050, in

comparison to 40 Gt CO

2

eq. in 2005 (EEA, 2010).

The trend of total GHG emissions for the EU shows that with current policies the GHGs will

be reduced to almost 60% in 2050 compared to 1990 (EC, 2011a).

In 2050 the GHG emissions in the

EU will annually reach

approximately 5.3 Gt CO

2

eq. (see

Fig. 2).

Fig. 2: Trend of the annual GHG emissions of the EU

under different scenarios. Source: EEA, 2002.

3. Kyoto Protocol

The members of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

adopted in 1997 the so called Kyoto Protocol. This protocol aims to fight global warming by

reducing the emissions of six GHGs and setting binding quantitative targets. The European

Union including all member states ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 2002 (UNFCCC, 2012).

The EU-15 countries committed in the Kyoto Protocolto reduce their GHG emissions

between 2008 and 2012 by 8% compared to 1990. This target has to be achieved by the EU

as a whole. The burden sharing arrangement allows the EU to set different targets for each

member state.

Members of the EU-27 don’t have a common quantitative target (EEA, 2011b).

The current Kyoto Protocol ends in 2012. Therefore a new international framework for

reducing GHG emissions needs to be developed for the time period 2013-2020. The EU

4. TARGETS AND MEASURES OF THE EU

- 6 -

wants to continue having a "new" Kyoto protocol with some improvements. These changes

are e.g. referring to a cap on emissions within theEU, more auctioning than allowances and

an expansion of the EU Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS) (DECC, 2011).

4. Targets and measures of the EU

The overall aim is to avoid a global annual temperature increase of more than two degrees

Celsius above the preindustrial level. Therefore a global reduction of GHG emissions of up to

50% by 2050 is essential, whereas developed countries need to achieve a reduction of 80-95% relative to the base levels. The EU set a GHG emission reduction target of 20% by 2020

compared to 1990 (EEA, 2011a). This aim requires a 21% emission reduction in EU ETS-sectors and a 10% emission reduction in non-EU ETS sectors compared to 2005. If other

countries will set comparable emission targets, then the EU will even reduce their emissions

by 30% until 2020 (EEA, 2011a). Additionally the EUset the target for increasing renewable

energies so that they cover 20% of the final energydemand by 2020 (IEA, 2011).

To achieve specific reduction targets, countries have to implement appropriate measures. In

2002 the EU adopted the first European Climate Change Programme (ECCP I) that included

EU-wide directives and measures to adopt the Kyoto protocol. In 2005 the EU implemented

a new ECCP II that covered new policy areas for emission reductions. According to the Kyoto

Protocol Annex I countries have to apply existing and planned domestic policies and

measures (United Nations, 1998).

Furthermore flexible market-based Kyoto mechanisms can help to meet the emission targets

by adding or subtracting from their initial assigned emission amount at a low cost level.

These mechanisms are emissions trading, clean development mechanism (CDM) and joint

implementation (JI) (UNFCCC, 2012a). Emission trading allows developed countries as the

European countries to trade emission units from other developed countries to achieve their

emission targets. Through CDM industrialized countries may develop emission reducing

projects in developing countries to meet their targets. Applying JI, developed countries may

design emission reducing or sink removing projects in other developed countries.

5. EUROPEAN ECONOMY

- 7 -

Additional to these domestic and Kyoto measures, also internal credits could be

implemented (EC, 2011a).

These are just some of the available emission reducing measures and instruments.

Different aspects have an effect on the implementation of these measures. The current

economy of the country has a strong influence whether a specific measure is accomplishable

or not. Some countries prefer to stabilize their economy than investing in climate change

issues. Most measures are expensive, so the costs are always important for the outcome of

measures. Society has also an impact on the success of measures. If people e.g. won’t buy

electric cars or would demonstrate against governmental approaches, some measures can’t

be successful.

5. European Economy

The EU has the largest economy in the world due to a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over

12268000 million Euro in 2010 (Eurostat, 2012). This level is still lower than the level before

the economic crisis, but the GDP recovered partly from its effects. But there are big

differences between the member states not only concerning the total GDP, but also in GDP

per capita. Further, the EU is the biggest exporterand importer of goods and services all

over the world (IMF, 2011). Despite an increase of GDP in the EU, the gross world product

remains stable (Eurostat, 2012). The reason for this development is that China, Brazil and

India achieved more economic power. The EU wants tokeep a stable currency and economic

growth by implementing the stability and growth pact (European Union, 2012).

Reductions of total GHG emissions go along with thedevelopment of energy-efficient

technologies and therefore emission reductions in the energy sector. Instead of importing

gas and oil, the EU would use mostly renewable energy. As a result the economy wouldn’t be

impaired by increasing oil prices, high costs of importing energy or any other energy related

issues. The EU could cut down 175-320 billion Euroson fuel costs per year (EC, 2011d). To

achieve the EU emission reduction target for 2050, the EU has to add 1.5% of the GDP (=270

billion Euro) on their actual value of 19% GDP for the following 40 years (EC, 2011c).

Therewith the total investment levels would rise topre-economic crisis levels. The economy

6. INTERNATIONAL NEGOTIATIONS

- 8 -

would have large benefits if GHGs are reduced. For instance, there would be an improved

productivity and growth, reduced air pollution, strengthened energy security and new jobs

will be created if there is a shift to a low carboneconomy (EC, 2011c).

First of all, researchers and industries have to develop appropriate techniques matching the

required associations of the EU. There will be a lot of new jobs in the energy sector. Hereby

energy efficient heating systems, electrified or hybridised transport and low carbon power

generation are addressed (EC, 2011c and 2011d). Moreover there will be a high potential in

the construction industry, e.g. for inventing more energy-efficient infrastructure and

buildings and reconstructing old ones. In total about 1.5 million jobs could be launched by

2020 (EC, 2011d). Jobs in public relations and educational issues could also be positively

affected by the shift to more environmental friendly techniques. But whether these new

green jobs will sustain in the long-term depends onthe European guidance through this

whole process (EC, 2011c).

6. International negotiations

The EU wants to cut GHG emissions efficiently to prevent climate change and therefore the

temperature rise of two degrees. Some European goals are to improve energy efficiency,

shift to renewable energy sources, enhance carbon capture and storage technologies,

change lifestyles and consumer customes and to invent a strategy for adaptation to climate

change (Caro and Rüth, 2011 and EC, 2010). In general, the EU wants to hold in a leading and

driving position in international negotiations on climate change (Council of the European

Union, 2007). Climate change is one of the major issues for the EU and a goal is that all

countries work together.

The EU was a key player in the development on two United Nations climate treaties: the

UNFCCC in 1992 and the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 (EC, 2010). Especially in the ratification

procedure of the Kyoto protocol the EU contributed to convince countries as Canada, Japan

or Russia.

7. CONCLUSION

- 9 -

Because climate change affects the whole world, themain aim is to implement a more

ambitious, legally binding and comprehensive globalUnited Nations legal framework

(European Commission, 2011e). In the latest UNFCCC Climate Change Conference (COP17) in

Durban in 2011, the EU played an important role forthe development of this new

framework that will involve all countries – including developing countries. With the

agreement on this framework the EU achieved its aimfor the Durban conference (EC, 2011f).

The new framework will be implemented from 2020. Unfortunately not all major emitting

countries like the U.S., Japan or China agreed on it. Therefore the EU used this opportunity

to call, together with developing countries who agreed on the roadmap, for agreement of

other parties on these climate negotiations. But from 2013 until 2017 or 2020 there will be

the second commitment period of the Kyoto protocol (EC, 2011f).

7. Conclusion

The EU achieved already a decrease in GHG emissionsand is on a good track to obtain its

targets. Simultaneously the economy grew (EC, 2011c). Thus the EU is acting as a role model

for other countries. Nevertheless the EU has the second biggest amount of GHG emissions in

the Annex I countries. The amounts of emitted GHGs demonstrate that there is no time to

lose to act against climate change. Global warming is a concern for everybody. So, common

frameworks and conferences are very important. All countries have to act jointly to combat

global change at its source and find appropriate solutions.

REFERENCES

- 10 -

References

CARO, C.-A.AND RÜTH, C. (2011). From Kyoto to Durban – The Europeans Union’s Climate

Policy, KAS International Reports, 19-35. Available at:

http://www.kas.de/wf/doc/kas_22522-544-2-30.pdf?110413141450 (Accessed

26/01/12).

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (2007).Brussels European Council – 8/9 March 2007 –

Presidency Conclusions, 1-26. Available at:

http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/en/07/st07/st07224-re01.en07.pdf

(Accessed 26/01/12).

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE (2011). EU ETS Phase III (2013 – 2020)[online]

Available at:

http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/emissions/eu_ets/phase_iii/phase_iii.aspx

(Accessed on 24/01/12).

EUROPEAN COMMISSION (2010). What is the EU doing on climate change?[online] Available at:

http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/brief/eu/index_en.htm (Accessed 26/01/12).

EUROPEAN COMMISSION (2011a) 112 Communication from the Commission to the European

Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the

Committee of the Regions - A Roadmap for moving to a competitive low carbon

economy in 2050, 1-16. Available at: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2011:0112:FIN:EN:PDF (Accessed

22/01/12).

EUROPEAN COMMISSION (2011b). 624 Report from the Commission to the European Parliament

and the Council – Progress towards achieving Kyoto objectives,SEC(2011) 1151 final.

Available at: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2011:0624:FIN:EN:PDF (Accessed

23/01/12).

EUROPEAN COMMISSION(2011c). Questions and Answers on a Roadmap for moving to a low

carbon economy in 2050 [online]. Available at:

http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/roadmap/faq_en.htm (Accessed 25/01/12).

EUROPEAN COMMISSION(2011d). Roadmap for moving to a low-carbon economy in 2050

[online]. Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/roadmap/index_en.htm

(Accessed 25/01/12).

EUROPEAN COMMISSION(2011e). Working with international partners[online]. Available at:

http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/international/index_en.htm (Accessed 26/01/12).

EUROPEAN COMMISSION(2011f). Durban climate conference 2011.[online] Available at:

http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/international/negotiations/durban/index_en.htm

Accessed (26/01/12).

REFERENCES

- 11 -

EUROPEAN ENVIRONMENT AGENCY(2001a). Recession accelerates the decline in EU greenhouse

gas emissions [online]. Available at: http://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/recession-accelerates-the-decline-in (Accessed 24/01/12).

EUROPEAN ENVIRONMENT AGENCY(2002). EU GHG emissions 1990-2050[online]. Available at:

http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/figures/eu-ghg-emissions-1990-2050

(Accessed 25/01/12).

EUROPEAN ENVIRONMENT AGENCY(2010). The European Environment – State and Outlook 2010.

Mitigating Climate Change, 1-34. Available at:

http://www.eea.europa.eu/soer/europe/mitigating-climate-change (Accessed

22/01/12).

EUROPEAN ENVIRONMENT AGENCY(2011a). Annual European Union greenhouse gas inventory

1990–2009 and inventory report 2011 - Submission tothe UNFCCC Secretariat, EEA

Technical report, ISSN 1725-2237. Available at:

http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/european-union-greenhouse-gas-inventory-2011 (Accessed 22/01/12).

EUROPEAN ENVIRONMENT AGENCY(2011c). Why did greenhouse gas emissions fall in the EU in

2009?, 1-15. Available at: http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/european-union-greenhouse-gas-inventory-2011/why-did-greenhouse-gas-emissions (Accessed

22/01/12).

EUROPEAN UNION(2012). Stability and growth pact and economic policy coordination [online]

Available at:

http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/economic_and_monetary_affairs/stability_

and_growth_pact/index_en.htm (Accessed 26/01/12).

EUROSTAT (2012). National accounts – GDP[online]. Available at:

http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/statistics_explained/index.php/National_accounts

_%E2%80%93_GDP#Developments_in_GDP (Accessed 26/01/12).

IMF (2011). World Economic and Financial Surveys - World Economic Outlook Database

[online] Available at:

http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2011/01/weodata/index.aspx (Accessed

23/01/12).

INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY(2011). CO

2

Emissions from Fuel Combustion – Highlights, 1-134.

Available at: http://www.iea.org/co2highlights/co2highlights.pdf (Accessed

23/01/12).

NOAA NATIONAL CLIMATIC DATA CENTER(2011). State of the Climate: Global Analysis - Annual

2011 [online] Available at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/global/2011/13

(Accessed 27/01/12).