Bonn, June 17 – Today members of the youth organisation BUNDJugend (Young Friends of the Earth Germany) organized a spoof street party in front of the Maritim hotel, where UN climate talks have been taking place over the past two weeks. With music, dancing and a “40-percent” cake, 40 young people celebrated the announcement of a critical European pledge of 40% carbon emission reductions by 2020, without offsetting.
The impacts of climate change are already being felt around the world, and current emission reduction pledges from the EU and other countries mean the world is heading towards 5 degree Celsius warning and a climate catastrophe. It is young people all around the world who will be at the forefront of those most affected by the impacts of climate change.
“We expect the EU to adopt a 40% domestic emission reduction target at the next UNFCCC negotiations in December in Durban. By doing so they will inspire other developed countries to follow suit and raise their level of ambition. Then, in half a year the whole world will have a reason to celebrate the real success of the UNF – triple cheers,” said Ruth Gassauer, a young activist holding a “40% in da house” banner.
Current EU goals are to reduce its carbon emissions for 20% by 2020, an un-ambitious target that will already be met without taking any additional action. However, based on a study by Friends of the Earth in December 2009, raising the number to 40% is not only possible and achievable but good for Europe.
“20 percent emission reduction by 2020 is not enough if we want to prevent and limit dangerous climate change to less than 2ºC. If we do not act now, consequences will be irreversible, hitting underprivileged people the hardest. The longer we wait, the more expensive it gets: each year of inaction will cost us 5% of GDP,” warned Bjoern Obmann, volunteer coordinator at BUNDJugend.
Notes:
The event was a part of Push Europe, a partnership campaign bringing together the UK Youth Climate Coalition, Young Friends of the Earth Europe and BUND Jugend. Its overarching aim is to push the EU to raise its ambition in tackling climate change by strengthening its domestic carbon emission reduction target to at least 30% by 2020, which is a stepping stone to the safer target of 40%. The campaign calls for more opportunities and jobs for young people, a transition to clean energy and an increased emissions target for 2020. The focus is on the European Union to take leadership on climate change and increase their emission targets ahead of COP17 in Durban, South Africa, and to mobilise young people across Europe to facilitate a stronger European youth climate movement.
