DAILY NEWSKey issues for the PSE Group (1/2)
09/12008. The science is clear, now we need to engage globally and locally: Two degrees represents the tipping point. If, and only if, the rise in temperature by the end of the twenty-first century does not exceed this upper threshold will we still be able to adapt to the effects of climate change. The consequences of unchecked global warming could be catastrophic. Rising sea levels, water shortages caused by periods of drought, melting glaciers, and the desolation and desertification of land, would drive more and more people from their homes on account of hunger and thirst. Ecological collapse could lead to social breakdown, and extreme weather to political crisis. If we are to be successful, climate change policy will require commitment from all global and local actors.
We also need a global approach for economic reasons. To counter the possibility of polluters leaving Europe to emit GHGs outside Europe (this is known as carbon leakage), we are introducing measures which will incentivise large carbon emitters within industry to transition towards using cleaner technologies, and thus safeguarding the European manufacturing base and of course jobs. In addition, prevention is better than cure: As a study led by Nicholas Stern clearly shows, one per cent of global GNP is enough to cut CO2 emissions -- the follow-up cost of unchecked climate change would be many times more expensive. The costs of inaction easily outweigh the costs resulting from the fight against global warming. The bad news is that, if we do nothing, we are careering towards global disaster. The good news is that we can overcome the greatest challenge in human history with existing technology and energy efficiency targets. The even better news is that fighting climate change will create a revolution in clean industries and jobs, which will help European competitiveness. J.W.
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