Leading companies push for higher EU carbon targets

15.06.11

Over 70 leading European companies have signed a declaration calling on the EU to up its climate change target to a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, from 1990 levels.

Corporations including Coca Cola, Marks & Spencer, IKEA, Nike and Eurostar signed the declaration, which comes just before an EU vote on raising the existing 20% target.

Together the companies signing the declaration account for over 3.8 million employees, with an annual turnover of more than €1 trillion; more than the combined GDPs of Poland, Sweden and Austria.

Keith Allott, Head of Climate Change at WWF-UK, says: “Politicians across Europe must listen to this clear message from forward thinking businesses, who know that a stronger policy framework will be in their interest because of the investments and opportunities it can unlock.

“Sticking with the current EU 20% target would simply perpetuate a cycle of low ambition that will inevitably lead to dangerous climate change. The 30% target is a no-regrets position for Europe’s economy, and it is logical to move to it now.”

Peter Bragg, Head of Environment and Energy, Eurostar, says: “A move beyond 20% would send out a strong statement of intent from the EU that it wants to base its future success on the foundations of a low carbon economy. From Eurostar’s point of view it would underline our own vision to 'Tread Lightly' and reduce emissions across our organisation, a vision which underpins our business ambitions.”

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