It appears that 58% of those surveyed believe that the EU should increase its actions in this area, and 76% think that the industry is not taking its responsibilities seriously in the face of this urgency.
62% think that this issue is the most important just behind poverty.
67% believe that everyone should take action at their own level, 61% have adopted selective sorting and monitor their consumption of water and energy.
For transportation, the mobilization is less obvious; only 28% use environmentally friendly modes of transportation, but 44% are ready to invest in green energy.
Finally, 41% feel poorly informed about environmental issues.
What can be expected from the European Community, apart from a survey?
For a bit of background, it should be noted that the European Parliament has decided to reduce its “carbon footprint” by 30%. This footprint includes greenhouse gas emissions and physical sources produced by a building. The Parliament will therefore improve its infrastructure and energy consumption.
What about these initiatives at the EU level?
It seems that our leaders have a more optimistic view of the dangers of climate change than their constituents.
At the 14th (already!) World Climate Conference, on December 12 and 13 in Poznan, Poland, nothing very concrete emerged. Perhaps this was due to the “vacancy” of power in the United States?
Brice Lalonde, French Ambassador for Climate, even declared: “One should not expect a mouse to give birth to a mountain. There will only be a mouse.” Let’s welcome this small mammal to this opaque world.
Europe, for its part, has given birth to a “climate energy package” well wrapped under the expert hands of those holding the title of the smallest common polluter, ensuring the minimum service: a 20% reduction in greenhouse gases, an increase of 20% in energy efficiency by 2020. To reach a proportion of 20% renewable energy in the total energy consumption of the EU by 2020.
To achieve a proportion of 10% biofuels for the total consumption of vehicles by 2020.
Eagerly awaiting 2020!
The European Parliament should finalize these objectives within the year.
An international climate conference will be held in Copenhagen at the end of 2009. Stavros Dimas, responsible for the environment at the European Commission, said: “An ambitious Copenhagen agreement is not a choice.” An ambitious agreement in Copenhagen is not a choice, it is a duty.
Soon candidates will present themselves for the European elections.
Euroweb 06 will question them on their choices and duties.
In the meantime, let’s sort, recycle, and consume properly to pollute the air and sea a little less.
