What happens at the EU this March matters - a lot
13 March 2009
Even as a self-confessed politics enthusiast (yes, I watch Newsnight and I'm not afraid to admit it), I have to say that I'm baffled by the workings of the European Union.
If the question "who is the current president of the EU?" came up in a pub quiz, I'd be guessing at best. And if you asked me to list the names of my representatives in the European Parliament, I'd be well and truly flummoxed.
My patchy Euro-knowledge has never much bothered me. Until recently, I'd been pretty happy with things that way.
That changed after last December's UN climate change negotiations, which took place in Poznan, Poland.
After good progress at the 2007 UN meetings (these get-togethers have happened once a year for the last few years), last December's talks could have been a moment when the world took a giant leap forward on agreeing an international solution to tackle climate change.
Sadly, decent progress in Poland never materialised. Developing nations put suggestions on the table and then the whole thing ground to a halt. EU leaders showed a distinct lack of desire to match developing nations ambition.
EU leaders bowed down to lobbyists from industry and refused to commit to cutting our carbon usage. They've since been a bit hazy about agreeing to help poorer nations adapt to the effects of climate change. Essentially, they're refusing to stop harming and start helping.
One thing these talks did make clear though was that decisions made by the EU matter. They affect how much tax we pay, and our freedom to work in other countries. But most importantly, they affect how the world chooses to tackle climate change.
Throughout March, Government officials from member states - Alistair Darling, Ed Miliband, and Gordon Brown, are the three main politicians representing the UK - will meet once again and continue to negotiate Europe-wide climate change policies.
The EU will have a choice of anything from agreeing rigorous cuts in CO2 emissions, or doing nothing while already rising sea levels wash away livelihoods in areas of Bangladesh, and more frequent droughts make life harder for communities in Uganda.
The EU meetings aren't likely to make it to the front pages of the papers, or get top billing on the News at Ten, yet what's decided over the coming weeks matters profoundly.
Decisions made will have a knock-on effect on UN climate change talks, which this December will take place in Copenhagen. They could ultimately strengthen our chances of nailing-down a global solution to tackle climate change.
Oxfam, CAFOD, Christian Aid, Friends of the Earth, Practical Action and WWF have started a combined email action - fill it in here to ask Gordon Brown to make sure the EU gets it right.
Richard Casson is an Oxfam campaigner
Comments:
To Flatroofer: Could you explain what point you are trying to make? You are reducing hard science to the literal old testament nonsense you subscribe to. Anyone who isn't a mindless fundamentalist can see that there is plenty of evidence that absolutely proves God did not create the world 6000 years ago (fossil, anyone?).
Yet to quote you: "There is no evidence at all, anywhere or by anyone to substantiate the claims made by many" - perhaps if you could give an example of what these 'claims' might be, there might be some basis for a discussion. If not, stop clogging up Oxfam's webspace!
Keep up the good work Oxfam!
Stop your drivel | March 17, 2009 5:24 PM
Dear Richard, I beg to differ on the comments in your article. Climate change as we are told to accept it does not exist. Global warming is another non existing event. We are being hoodwinked into accepting all sorts of so called green issues with dire consequences if ignored. It seems the reasonably educated and above are the most likley to fall for the flawed theories put forward. There is no evidence at all, anywhere or by anyone to substantiate the claims made by many. We have examined them all. Mankind has the idea he controls the world. When God created the earth and universe 6000yrs ago, in his foreknowledg he knew what we would need today. He controls the weather, the tides, and sets the bounderies to the sea. There is more than enough minerals (Oil,gas and the like) to last until he returns. (anytime)
This does not exclude us from looking after the planet earth, God has instructed us to do so. As technology , knowledge, and travel increases (Forecast 2000 yrs ago by God) We can make changes to various methods of manufacturing and hygiene control etc, The atmosphere surrounding the explosion of the said events today has a nasty feel to it. The problem is that the anarchist and atheists have hijacked the wagon and are now in the driving seat and they have set their agenda for us all. Do as we say. I sympathise with some of the sentiments of the genuine supporters of looking after the world, but they are used as fodder to preach this new religion and brushed aside when not needed by these bullies in suits who hold high office and are running this show. We have asked for a spokesman of the vocal leaders of this world economy crippling fiasco to appear on a TV 1to1 live debate on the Bible view against there own. Including Attenborough, Jones, Toynbee and Dawkins. They don't want to know. They run and hide. The BBC are formost in protecting the above names. GB and CL are blamed for food and water shortages. Untrue, man is to blame where there are shortages. The names of countries and their ethos could be named for ill health, shortages, and misery but the world does not want to know. That would upset the preconceived mentality that will always exist. Our charities are changing, they would prefer problems than solutions. Many prefer the chase to the catch.
Education is not Wisdom.
Wales for the Championship.!!
Flatroofer. | March 16, 2009 9:05 PM