11 April 2024 - CLG Europe Director Ursula Woodburn provides her insights on the urgency of establishing robust climate targets, following the release of CLG Europe's influential letter. The letter was endorsed by over 100 signatories, calling on Environment and Climate Ministers to set a minimum 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Read a preview of Ursula's op-ed for The Financial Times Sustainable Views here.
It seems that politicians across Europe are running scared of climate and environmental policies. So fearful are they of being branded as out of touch with the electorate that they are undermining crucial work.
We have seen divisions in the German government on vehicle emissions and due diligence reporting leading to last-minute U-turns. And just this week, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has been accused of lobbying behind the scenes against the EU’s Nature Restoration Law, before the ink is even dry on this closely fought piece of legislation.
But this pushback is not representative of what most scientists, businesses or citizens want. Today, more than 100 businesses and investors, representing in excess of €1tn and 1mn employees, have taken a stand and have written an open letter urging the EU to set a robust emissions reduction target of “at least 90 per cent” by 2040. Signatories include chief executives from European giants such as Unilever, Ikea owner Ingka Group, Iberdrola and Velux. Businesses have also come out strongly in favour of the Nature Restoration Law.
Read the full article here: European businesses want robust climate targets and politicians must listen - Sustainable Views
