Between two and 15 billion euros a year until 2020. This is the sum that the European Commission has decided to allocate to developing countries to tackle climate change. A small step forward in view of the Copenhagen climate summit, but, in reality, a figure that will not meet expectations.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
Either money or life! A pickpocket would say ... But, apparently, the economy still comes before health. Especially when it comes to the health of our planet. Often we do not consider what will be in the future and Europe also seems to follow this policy. Between two and 15 billion euros per year until 2020. This is the sum that the European Commission has decided to allocate to developing countries to tackle climate change. A small step forward in view of the Copenhagen summit on the climate, but, in reality, a figure that will not meet expectations.
The Commission, which in a first text it indicated that the financial commitment would be between 13 and 24 billion euros per year, after strong pressure from the Member States, it has radically reduced the figure. Just a year ago, the same Commission estimated that for to put a stop to deforestation by 2020, € 30-75 billion was needed globally. Now safeguarding the last green lungs of the planet will be an even more arduous and difficult undertaking.
In this regard, Greenpeace urges the European Commission to respect and exceed its promises, confirming its leadership on the climate. So the environmental association asks Europe to allocate at least 35 billion euros per year until 2020, resources that must be managed under the control of United Nations.
Primary objectives? Promote the development of renewable energy in developing countries, stop deforestation and help create adaptation measures against the impacts of climate change that we already know are inevitable.
"The Commission is trying to get up from the table leaving only a tip, and without paying the bill it takes to save the planet from catastrophic climate impacts - he says Francesco Tedesco, Greenpeace Energy and Climate Campaign Manager. - The Commission has also not disclosed how these financial resources will have to be generated at the international level “.
“European politicians are playing with numbers, without understanding that they can erase entire ecosystems with the stroke of a pen. The survival of entire communities is at risk ”he warned from Brussels Sebastien Risso, Director of Greenpeace EU.
It remains to ask what is more important a future in harmony with our Earth or a future of economic wealth with a dying Planet?
Alberto Maria Vedova
