The EU’s negotiating position for the global climate talks in Paris in December, adopted by its Environment Ministers today, calls for climate neutrality - a full phase out of all greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, it falls short of providing details on the EU’s contribution to achieve this.
Read more: EU supports a full phase out of emissions, but falls short of action to achieve it
Call for 100% renewables for people and climate ahead of Paris talks
Despite its claim of being a leader in the fight against climate change, the European Union still has around 280 coal power plants, operating in 22 different EU member states. The majority of these plants are more than 30 years old, meaning they are inefficient, polluting and outdated. Burning coal caused 17% of greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union in 2014. Still, European countries continue to invest tens of billions into the ailing industry.
Read more: Exposing the role of coal in Europe - launch of European Coal Map
Today’s meeting of Pope Francis with EU Environmental Ministers in the Vatican comes at a crucial moment, just two days before an extra Environment Council where EU Member States will adopt the EU’s position for the Paris climate summit in December.
Read more: The Pope puts pressure on EU Environment Ministers
The four EU Member States that are part of the G20 have spent nearly three times as much on fossil fuel subsidies as on climate finance. The EU, also a member of the G20, has spent six times as much on subsidizing fossil fuels as it has on climate finance.