Discussion on biofuels with Brazilian Parliamentarians

S&D MEPs discussed the EU and Brazilian MPs today in the Espaço Brasil in the Cancun Messe at the Climate talks. They tackled the issue of bioethanol.

As consumption of bioethanol increases across on the world, Brazil has to increase yields to meet supply. Brazil is working to develop biofuel technology to use across the world. Compulsory and mandatory targets are needed, particularly in the area of mitigation. A second generation biofuel is still a long way off. So for now, Brazil is trying to meet the demand of bioethanol.

On climate change mitigation, Brazil would like to see a second commitment period to Kyoto Protocol is critically important. In terms of working with other BASIC countries (Brazil, South Africa, India and China), each country will work independently, but in a globalised world. These countries will share technology and work together. Copenhagen created awareness in Brazil on the issue of climate change. The fact that Europe is in Cancun and is sitting with countries like Brazil confirms that mobilisation of countries is needed to resolve climate change.

Briefing with the European Commission

The chief negotiator, Arthur Runge-Metzger (director of Climate Policy Division of the European Commission) gave the EP Delegation an update on negotiations to date.

Progress in the negotiations made mainly in the different technical aspects of the Kyoto Protocol. These include issues like the base year for emission reduction will be 1990; there has been progress on LUCLUF, on technical aspects of the CDMs and possible progress on the length of the second commitment period (5 or 8 years) .

However, nothing will be agreed until the LCA track makes progress in terms of emission reduction pledges until a decision can be made on the future of Kyoto protocol (despite Japan’s reluctance for a second period). Japan wants US and China in the deal not out of the deal: this is what Japanese explained to our MEPs in a later meeting between the EP Delegation and the Japanese Diet. So for now, a plan of next year’s actions will need to be discussed. A small group of negotiators will meet on Wednesday to hammer out the negotiations.