Miliband urges EU to raise emission targets to 30%

Ed Miliband, the UK Energy and Climate Change Secretary, says he will persuade other nations to raise the EU’s emission cut target following the unsatisfactory outcome of the Copenhagen climate change summit.

The UK official informs he will keep on pressing other European countries to lift up greenhouse reduction level, as part of the UK’s effort to secure an international climate change treaty in Mexico this year. While conveying his message to the UK parliament about the failure of last year’s Copenhagen summit to deliver a binding international deal, Miliband vows he will continue to lobby EU countries to adopt a tougher 2020 emission cut target from 20 per cent to 30 per cent.

During last year’s climate summit, the EU had pledged that it would step up its 2020 target 30 per cent lower than the 1990 level, if other developed nations would make a comparable effort. However, the US and other big polluters refused to raise their targets, resulting in EU failing to amend its current target.

Miliband further adds he will work to boost support for the Copenhagen Accord approved during the climate conference. He informs that 49 countries signed the deal accounting for more than 80 per cent of global emissions.

The energy secretary admits that the Copenhagen Accord is still a disappointment, as it failed to create a clear timetable and to set demanding emission targets. Miliband however insists that the accord still represents considerable progress, noting that it is the first time that both developing and industrialized countries agree to curb carbon emissions.