Dear Heads of State and Government,
ahead the “Future of Europe Summit” in Sibiu on 9 May 2019, we would like to inform you about our call regarding climate targets for EU.
On June 13, 2018 a group of Nordic organisations called on the EU and its Member States to make the European Union Paris Agreement-proof, by setting and agreeing on new, sufficiently ambitious climate targets:
By today May 6th, 2019 over 90 organisations have signed the call; companies, cities and universities, business networks and The Confederations of Finnish Industries and Danish Industries industries representing more than 25.000 companies and The Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners in Finland having more than 300.000 members.
The Nordic countries have already set the course towards climate neutrality. Norway is aiming for climate neutrality by 2030 and Sweden and Finland by 2045, while Denmark is aiming for a fossil free, low emission society by 2050. We support the swift and sustainable implementation of such goals with our own ambitious goals and actions. We firmly believe that not only can climate change be mitigated, but it can be done in such a way that does not harm economic development and, in many cases, leads to new profitable business models.
Nordic companies are investing in R&D targeting new carbon-free processes and products. All Nordic capitals and tens of other cities and municipalities are aiming to become climate neutral before 2040, several even by 2030. Several leading companies in the Nordics have already set, or are exploring ways to set, science-based net-zero targets by 2030, and a large majority said they could set net-zero GHG emissions targets in the right policy environment.
Climate change is proceeding at an alarming pace. In spite of the Paris Agreement, not enough concrete action has been taken to stop this negative trend. At this crucial moment of time, the European Union can and must step up. We urge the EU and its member states to join us in building a carbon-free Europe and signaling the direction that will provide us with the clarity and confidence to act.
We thank you for your consideration.
Yours sincerely on behalf of the initiators,
Jouni Keronen
Executive Director
Climate Leadership Coalition
List of signatories supporting the initiative.
Initiators and developers of the initiative.
Jouni Keronen, Executive Director, Climate Leadership Coalition, +358 50 4534881
Nina Ekelund, Executive Director, Haga Initiative, +46 735022464
Jarl Krausing, International Director, CONCITO, +45 29896600
Bjørn K. Haugland, CEO, Norway 203040, +47 97687315
