Thirty European companies believe that greater action is needed in the fight against carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions – and have called on the European Union to take action.
The companies, which include Acciona, Alstom, Asda, Atkins, Barilla, BNP Paribas, BSkyB, Capgemini, Centrica plc, Climate Change Capital, Crédit Agricole, DHV Group, Elopak, Eneco, F&C Asset Management, GE Energy, Johnson Controls Inc, Kingfisher, Google, Marks and Spencer, Nike, Philips Lighting, SKAI Group of Companies, Sony Europe, Standard Life, Swiss Re, Tryg, Thames Water, Unilever and Vodafone have asked for the EU to increase its ambition to reduce emissions to 30 per cent by 2020 from 1990 levels instead of the 20 per cent currently outlined.
They believe that emission reductions are central to strengthening the economy while providing jobs and predictability for investors.
The joint business declaration is led by The Climate Group along with WWF Climate Savers Programme and the Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership; and states that climate action will boost economic growth while creating jobs and that the EU needs the right policies in place to maintain leadership and competitiveness in the low carbon economy.
In particular, it wants to see investments in energy security; and investments in tomorrow’s technology and infrastructure.
The statement adds further weight to calls from ministers in Denmark, France, Germany and the UK who want a strengthened climate policy even without a global deal.
