'Europa moet het voortouw nemen in het terugdringen van broeikasgassen' (en)

Europe must take a stand to reduce emissions. This was Lord Nicholas Stern’s message when he spoke at the day’s first meeting of the energy and environment ministers in Åre. In his 2006 report, Lord Stern stated that it is less costly to address the issue of climate change now than not to do anything at all.

“We must see this as an opportunity. Reduced emissions mean a cleaner society, a safer society. Low carbon growth is the growth story, we won’t sacrifice growth”, said Lord Stern.

He said that it was a matter of taking action in areas that are already well known: improving energy efficiency and stop deforestation. Other measures that are needed includes economic instruments such as putting a price on emissions, and regulations and standards for housing and road transport, as well as new technology and investment in research and development in energy.

“We must also change our attitudes. We don’t drink and drive – it is considered irresponsible. It must be the same here.”

“If we don’t do anything at all, there is a 50 per cent risk that we will see an increase in temperatures of five degrees by the beginning of next century. If this occurs, the planet will look completely different.”

To reduce this risk, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced. According to Lord Stern, today's emissions reach 50 gigatons per year. If this figure can be reduced to 20 gigatons by the year 2050, the risk of a five degree temperature rise will also be reduced to 3 per cent.

“We know what the challenges are, we know what should be done. Now Europe must show leadership and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.”

When it comes to costs, Lord Stern does not think that they need to be particularly high, only a few per cent of GDP.

“If you think about what you get back when you invest in reducing emissions, then it is not too much. The investments are investments in a new future."