(BRUSSELS – 26/10/2012) A new report released by EuropeanVoice this week examines the policies and practises tasked with correcting the world’s climate change challenges.

International Climate negotiations

The next major meeting of international climate negotiators will start on 26 November in Doha and run until 7 December. One of the big issues will be outlining the rules of the second Kyoto commitment period, and finding a solution to the AAU issue. Poland does not want to give up its excess AAUs, and a possible compromise will be that they can keep them but only use them for domestic purposes.

ETS

The EU’s emissions trading scheme (ETS) is facing problems on many fronts, prompting some to question its long-term viability. The carbon price has slunk to untenable lows, and the European Commission’s proposal to inflate it by holding back some allowances in the next trading period has met with fierce resistance.

Climate science and public opinion

What is the current state of climate science and public opinion? Opinion polls showed an increasing disinterest in climate issues and rising scepticism of its existence after 2008, in Europe and elsewhere. But lately this has been changing. Is this in response to recent extreme weather events?

Climate Action assessment

How has the new Climate Action DG created for the Barroso II Commission performed? What has been the practical effect of separating out climate issues from the environment department?

Adaptation

The European Commission is due to put forward an EU strategy for adapting to the effects of climate change next year. What can member states do to prepare for the effects, and how much of a role should the EU play?

Green Budget

Proposals by the European Commission to green the EU budget, for instance by earmarking 20% of funds for actions that contribute to Europe’s climate goals, are in danger of being watered down by member states. Given that such actions may be popular with the public, is it possible that the green budget issues can help justify an EU budget increase for voters.

Get a copy of the report

You can download a copy of the special report on climate change here (PDF). To request an interview with the author of this report, or for further information please contact Robert Scott, Brand Communications Manager, The Economist Group at [email protected].

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About European Voice

European Voice, an Economist Group business based in Brussels, is the market leader for news about the European Union and analysis of the implications of EU policy on the EU’s 27 member states. Through its weekly newspaper and daily website, European Voice provides high-quality, authoritative journalism, in-depth analysis and wide-ranging editorial content. In addition to its print and online editions, European Voice runs high-level events and debates.

Thank you to economist.com for submitting this press release to The Costa Rica Star.