A proactive EU for a global climate agreement
M.2009.24
- Publication date:
- 29 June 2009
- Type:
- Information material
- Source:
- Ministry of the Environment
Summary
Information leaflet about the work on the Climate Change during the Swedish Presidency of the EU.
Greenhouse gas emissions affect the climate regardless of where on Earth they occur, and no country can solve the problem of climate change on its own. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) forms the basis for international climate cooperation. The associated Kyoto Protocol contains commitments for emission reductions up to 2012. Decisions are to be taken on a new global climate agreement to take effect after 2012 at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen from 7-18 December 2009. EU Member States have agreed on an ambitious climate policy with regard to their own reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. The common climate and energy policy lays the foundation for the EU to drive the international climate negotiations forward.
A united EU and successful coordination are essential in order to continue to be proactive in the negotiations. Sweden's principal task in holding the Presidency of the EU Council of Ministers is to lead the Union so that it can facilitate an agreement on a global climate agreement being reached in Copenhagen. The meeting in Copenhagen and the negotiations ahead of this meeting will be a key task for the Swedish Presidency.
