Summary: 20 June 2007, Brussels- The European Union's focus on the need to step up the fight against climate change will be vividly illustrated when Commission President José Manuel Barroso and Danish Prime Minister Fogh Rasmussen visit Greenland on June 24-26. The Greenlandic Premier, Mr. Hans Enoksen, will host the meeting.
President Barroso said: "Greenland is in the front line of the battle against climate change. It is experiencing dramatic effects already. We literally risk a meltdown if we do not act now, not just for Greenland but for Europe and the world. There is no substitute for seeing with one's own eyes. I want to learn as much as I can from this visit, to help me get across to others the message that climate change is a global problem that needs global solutions, not in ten or twenty years' time
but right now."
Climate change is higher than ever on the international agenda following the outcome of the G8 summit in Heiligendamm. President Barroso recalls: "The significant move of major emitters was helped by strong and united EU pressure. I am glad that all major greenhouse gas emitters will now support the UN climate process and signed up to seriously consider EU goals of at least halving of global emissions by 2050. The G8 accepted the need for a global agreement by 2009. This commitment will bring
considerable impetus to the UN climate change negotiations starting in December 2007 in Bali and hopefully ending with a global agreement on a post-Kyoto framework in Copenhagen in 2009".
During the visit, President Barroso will also discuss with Prime Minister Fogh Rasmussen and Premier Enoksen relations between the EU and Greenland, including economic issues, marine mammals and the European Union's arctic policy.
The European Union has many links to Greenland, including a comprehensive partnership agreement and a fisheries agreement. Greenland is also a party to the Overseas Territories and Countries (OCT) decision which covers territories and countries with special constitutional ties with EU member states.
The meeting venue, Ilulissat, is well known for one of the most stunning and active glaciers in the world and is on the UN's world cultural heritage list. The effects of climate change will hit Greenland and the arctic region faster and harder than elsewhere. But the rest of the world, including other parts of Europe, will also feel the effects of climate change, particularly as a result of a future rise in sea levels. Greenland is a "living laboratory" for researchers on environment and
climate change. This research will benefit Europe and the rest of the world.
The visit is open to press, and EbS will provide footage and photos from the trip 'en route'.
| Top |
European Union Member States
Alerts by email
Email this page
Print this page