(1) The EU has made long-term and effective preparations to cope with climate change, and it is possible to fulfill the emission reduction targets stipulated in the Kyoto Protocol;
(2)1June, 1998, the EU 15 countries reached an agreement on the allocation scheme of the 8% greenhouse gas emission reduction target promised by the EU in the Kyoto Protocol; Member States reached an agreement on "emission reduction sharing" and implemented their respective emission reduction targets;
(3) The positive attitude of European countries on the issue of climate change is an important effort for the EU to get rid of the unilateral control of the United States and protect and strengthen its economic and social management model different from that of the United States;
(4) In 200110, the Kyoto Protocol was approved, and the draft guidelines for the EU greenhouse gas emissions trading system were established and implemented. Since June 2002, it has been in force in EU 15 countries. The EU has also set a stricter implementation schedule than the Kyoto Protocol.
Main contents of policy measures
(1) European Action Plan on Climate Change
199 1 year, the EU issued the first strategy to control carbon dioxide emissions and improve energy efficiency. Since then, the EU has formulated a series of policies related to controlling climate change, including a draft law on using renewable energy to generate electricity, a proposal that automobile manufacturers voluntarily promise to save 25% fuel, and a tax on related energy products. However, in order to achieve the Kyoto Protocol's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 8% compared with 1990 during the period from 2008 to 20 12, it is obvious that further measures and actions are needed by EU member States. The EU Environment Ministers' Meeting believes that it is urgent for the EU to take further actions within the whole community, define priority measures and formulate relevant policies.
In response, the EU launched the EU Action Plan on Climate Change in June, 2000, aiming at clarifying all necessary elements, formulating corresponding strategies, and specifically implementing the emission reduction targets of the Kyoto Protocol. The action plan adopts a "two-track" approach, and is formulating a series of policies and measures to reduce greenhouse gases at different levels, and formulating a greenhouse gas emission trade plan to be implemented within the EU before 2005. The action plan requires all relevant institutions and organizations to coordinate and cooperate, including representatives from different EU departments, member States, industries and environmental groups. In the action plan, the focus of future policies and measures is the energy, transportation, industry and agriculture sectors. At present, seven working groups have been set up, covering the following fields: energy supply, energy consumption, transportation, industry, scientific research, international emissions trade, joint implementation and clean development mechanism, and agriculture. Once the above preparations are completed, the European Commission will formulate specific proposals and submit them to the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament for discussion.
At the same time, the EU Office initiated an open debate on future emissions trading. The European Commission's Green Paper on Emissions Trade put forward 10 questions for public discussion and responded to them.
The establishment of a greenhouse gas trading system within the EU has two advantages: on the one hand, it can control the cost required to achieve the goals set by the Kyoto Protocol, and on the other hand, it can accumulate preliminary experience of international emissions trade for the EU before the implementation of the global trade plan in 2008. The European Commission proposed that the EU emissions reduction trading system will initially focus on carbon dioxide emissions, involving only a few economic sectors that have a significant impact on emissions. The main candidate fields are large industrial boilers and large and medium-sized industrial zones designated by the EU's "centralized pollution prevention and control" policy.
The EU has been able to provide financial support within the framework of joint implementation and clean development mechanism through various existing sources of funds.
(2) EU's new policy to control greenhouse gas emissions.
EU 15 member states have reached an agreement on the Kyoto Protocol with common emission reduction targets. Overall, EU member states will reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 8% in 20 1990. Member States have reached a so-called "emission reduction sharing" agreement to achieve the set goals and allocate their responsibilities. According to the agreement, some member countries will significantly reduce their emissions (Germany, Denmark and the United Kingdom), others will stabilize at the emission level of 1990 (France), and still others will increase the emission level of 1990 (Spain, Portugal and Greece).
200 1, 1, the European Commission adopted a package of measures to deal with climate change, including proposing that the European Community ratify the Kyoto Protocol and drafting a decree to implement the greenhouse gas emissions trading system within the European Union. The purpose of this decree is to establish an EU emissions trading framework and an EU greenhouse gas emissions trading market. The EU is currently working out an action plan for the Act, and it is expected that there will be greater progress in mid-2003. Although EU countries are unlikely to reach a final agreement on this plan before June 5438+February 2002, the EU has made it clear that the emissions trading system will ensure that companies of the same size are treated equally. Maximize the fairness of competition and the danger of competition being distorted; Ensuring harmonization with existing legislation; Ensure coordination with other international action plans outside the EU.
In this policy proposal, the EU emissions trading system will take effect in 2005. In the first phase (2005-2007), the system will only be applicable to carbon dioxide. The emissions cap-and-trade plan will initially include large-scale industrial and energy activities, and the goal of this stage is to achieve carbon dioxide emission reduction accounting for about 45% of the EU's total carbon dioxide emissions in 20 10. Although the current emissions trading system does not include small emission sources, the EU will formulate some similar policies and measures to control these small emission sources, including controlling these small emission sources to enter the trading system through emission reduction targets. The EU will decide in 2004 whether to extend the law to other sectors and other greenhouse gases.
Member States are responsible for allocating emission permits to relevant companies according to the requirements of laws and regulations. The number of licenses will decrease over time. In 2005-2007, member States will allocate licenses according to the national distribution plan approved by the European Union. The European Commission will coordinate and determine the allocation procedures in the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. Companies that fail to obtain enough emission permits or purchase emission targets to make up the difference between the permits and the actual emissions will be punished to some extent. The Committee will formulate detailed testing, reporting and verification guidelines in the next stage. For new companies, the method of license allocation is similar to that between enterprises in the same department. Before 20 13, new member States cannot be included in the EU burden-sharing agreement, but the overall action plan of EU emissions trade can recognize the national plans of these countries. At the same time, mutual recognition of ETS enables EEA countries to trade within the EU ETS.
The design of emissions trading plan will conform to the rules of "international emissions trading" formulated by Kyoto Protocol. The proposed EU emissions trading scheme is as follows:
The first phase is 2005-2007, and the second phase is 2008-20 12 (namely, the commitment period of Kyoto Protocol). The plan is closely related to the Comprehensive Pollution Prevention (IPPC) Law of the European Union, and will be applicable to relevant departments of IPPC, which may include power generation, steel, oil refining, cement manufacturing and pulp and paper making.
There are two problems in the EU's action plan: first, the plan takes into account the emissions from power plants; Second, other plans (such as the British plan) put the emissions from power generation systems at power user terminals. There is a big difference between the two, so it is difficult to integrate different plans and schemes. However, the rule that EU law takes precedence means that if Britain wants to maintain its plan, it must coordinate two different plans to reach an agreement.
On February 9th, 2002, in Brussels, Belgium, the environment ministers of EU 15 member countries adopted an unprecedented plan on CO2 emission trading, stipulating that major industrial enterprises must enter the CO2 emission trading market. This is another important step after the EU 15 countries collectively ratified the Kyoto Protocol. The plan requires that from 2005, six industries that produce carbon dioxide, such as electricity and heat, steelmaking, cement, glass, brick making and paper making, must buy and sell their respective carbon dioxide quotas.
Environmental tax is an economic stimulus encouraged by the European Union. EU countries generally believe that environmental taxes are more feasible than the pollution trading system in the United States, so almost all EU member countries have implemented environmental taxes in advance to varying degrees. Sweden, Denmark and other Nordic countries have adopted a "package tax reform plan", that is, comprehensively restructuring the tax system, shifting the tax burden from income tax to consumption tax (including environmental tax), and achieving environmental protection goals while the tax burden is basically unchanged. The EU and its member states have gradually increased some taxes to cope with the increasingly serious global environmental problems. Impose a carbon tax on carbon-containing fuels to solve the problem of climate change. Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Sweden and Germany began to levy carbon taxes from 1990, and Austria, Luxembourg and Belgium will soon levy them. Carbon tax pushes environmental costs into product prices, increases the cost of harmful raw materials, and guides producers and consumers to make rational choices that are conducive to slowing down climate change.
(3) Legal policy
1) air method
Directive 92/72 on air pollution in the ozone layer provides a unified procedure for ozone layer pollution detection, information exchange and public notification; DecisionNo. ResolutionNo. 93/389 on establishing a community detection mechanism for carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases; Directive 93/76 on limiting carbon dioxide emissions by improving energy efficiency; Regulation no 549/9 1 on substances that destroy the ozone layer replaced regulation no 549/9 1. DecreeNo. 3322/88 provides for the control of specific CFCS, and provides a phased schedule for the control of CFCS, halons and other substances for the implementation of the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol. Directive 85/203 on air quality standards for nitrogen dioxide; DecisionNo. 80/327 on limiting the content of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCS) in the environment stipulates that chlorofluorocarbon products should be restricted and the member countries should reduce them by at least 30%; DecisionNo. ResolutionNo. 82/795 on strengthening the preventive measures for CFCS content in the environment.
Formulate emission standards for motor vehicles and other pollution sources (factories, incineration plants, etc.). ), such as motor vehicle fuel quality standards and motor vehicle engine standards, especially for fuels containing carbon dioxide, CFCS and acidic substances (sulfur oxides and chlorine oxides), take control measures, such as reducing the sulfur and lead content of fuels and collecting carbon dioxide/energy taxes. Directive 80/ 1268 on carbon dioxide emission and fuel consumption of motor vehicles establishes the technical standards for carbon dioxide emission of motor vehicles. And the limit of pollutant discharge in factories is determined by legislation. Wrong direction. 88/77 on the legislation of diesel vehicle exhaust pollution measures stipulates the emission limits of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides for vehicles with exhaust volume greater than 65,438+0.4 liters, and the temporary emission limits for vehicles with exhaust volume less than 65,438+0.4 liters. And the limit of pollutant discharge in factories is determined by legislation.
2) Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Act (IPPC)
"Comprehensive pollution prevention and control" is a legal system implemented by the European Union. This concept was introduced into the IPPC Act in 1996 and came into effect in June of 1999+0 1. Comprehensive Pollution Prevention Law (IPPC) The main purposes of this law are: to prevent or minimize emissions; Take the environment as a whole to provide a high level of environmental protection; Minimize the consumption of raw materials and energy; Simplify and strengthen the role of government agencies (legislation).
The central idea of the Comprehensive Pollution Prevention Law (IPPC) is to require the EU to provide a licensed comprehensive platform to comprehensively control the discharge of waste water, waste gas, slag and noise in all countries within the EU, and at the same time stipulate the operation and management methods of installation facilities.
In Britain, 1999 pollution prevention law introduced the requirements of IPPC. This new British Act controls most industrial activities that have a significant impact on the environment and is being implemented in all related industries. The existing facilities are clumsy; The requirements of the Comprehensive Pollution Prevention Law (IPPC) must be incorporated immediately, but the law sets a timetable for the gradual implementation by different departments. However, for newly-built installation facilities, after 1 999165438+1October1,the owner must obtain the permission of IPPC to operate the installation facilities.
(4) Energy policy
1) Market liberalization of power industry
1In February, 1999, EU member states were required to incorporate into their domestic laws the decrees establishing the rules of the EU internal electricity market. It is required to gradually open the electricity market within the EU and allow consumers to buy electricity from different channels (including foreign power departments).
Almost all member countries have reformed the natural gas market according to EU policies. Except France. With the exception of Denmark and Portugal, all member countries are expected to fully open their markets before 2008.
2) Promote cogeneration.
In Austria, this policy has long been encouraged. The industrial heating sector provides a set of cost-effective energy solutions for high-energy users by using cogeneration, and the community cogeneration has also developed into an advanced technology, especially the cogeneration of community heating was established with the support of the central government when energy prices rose in the 1970s. In Denmark, the policy encourages the popularization of cogeneration by providing large subsidies and grants.
3) EU policies in the field of renewable energy.
Promulgate the EU renewable energy law. In September 2006, the Council of the European Union passed a decree on promoting renewable energy. This law forms the policy framework of the EU to promote more green electricity. The decree encourages member States to take necessary measures to ensure that the development of renewable energy meets the national goals of the European Union. This law reflects the EU's concern about reducing energy dependence, protecting future available energy sources and limiting the emission of greenhouse gases and harmful air pollutants.
The White Paper on European Community Strategy issued by the European Union proposes to double the proportion of renewable energy in the domestic energy composition of EU member States in 20 10 (from the current 6% to 12%), including the timetable and action plan. The action plan mentioned in the white paper includes market means within the EU; Policies to further encourage the use of renewable energy: strengthening cooperation among member States; Encourage the state to invest in the field of renewable energy, strengthen information services and investment in the field of renewable energy, and strengthen information services and information dissemination of renewable energy.
Start-up Plan: The "Start-up Plan" is a part of the European Community's renewable energy strategy and action plan in 20 10. How to start the renewable energy strategy is designed, and the goal to be achieved is put forward. For several key industries, the "Start-up Plan" puts forward an action framework to strengthen investment opportunities and attract private funds. Meanwhile, the government is encouraged to focus public expenditure on key renewable energy sectors, including solar energy, China Netcom and biomass energy. The implementation of this plan can greatly promote the use and popularization of renewable energy.
Renewable energy plan: The overall goal of the renewable energy plan is to increase the use and market share of renewable energy. Renewable energy can not only realize the sustainable development of the environment, but also be an important part of greenhouse gas emission reduction in EC strategy. Products and equipment that match the renewable energy market; Support pilot actions at the infrastructure level to enhance investors' confidence, stimulate the development of renewable energy technologies and improve their market competitiveness. Promote information dissemination and coordination at international, EU, national, regional and local levels, so as to enhance investors' confidence in renewable energy and market penetration of renewable energy technologies. Support accelerating investment in renewable energy technologies and strengthening the operational capabilities of renewable energy service and product suppliers. Promote the implementation of the EU renewable energy strategy.
(5) Traffic policy
With the increasing concern about air quality and global warming, reducing fuel consumption and related greenhouse gas emissions has become the primary issue for the government, the public and vehicle manufacturers. At present, transportation is one of the main sources of carbon dioxide and other gases, and the demand for transportation is also increasing. So far, the biggest traffic emission comes from cars, accounting for nearly half of the total carbon dioxide emissions in the EU. 1996, the EC Council approved to reduce the average carbon dioxide emission of passenger cars to 120g carbon dioxide per kilometer.
There are three main points in the EU's automobile CO2 emission reduction strategy: Europe, Japan and South Korea have reached an agreement on improving fuel efficiency; Allow consumers to choose automobile fuel efficiency signs; Improve fuel efficiency through fiscal measures.
EU environmental protection ministers 1998 10 reached the following important agreements with European industry in Luxembourg: by 2008, the fuel consumption per 100 kilometers produced will be reduced by 25%, the carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced to per kilometer140g, and the greenhouse gas emissions will be 15% (EU's obligations under the UNFCCC).
While implementing the EU strategy, many member countries have also formulated their own policies and measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the transportation sector, such as promoting public transport plans.
Effect of greenhouse gas emission reduction policies in EU member States
The EU has made some achievements in mitigating climate change by implementing systematic environmental policies and management measures. The emission of air pollutants has been effectively controlled. With the economic growth in 1980s and 1990s, the EU kept the emissions of CO2 and NOX unchanged, while the emissions of SO2 and VOC also decreased significantly, which was the best in reducing CFC production.
Most EU member states have not done enough to reduce emissions. Spain, Portugal and Ireland need to improve their work in this area. More than half of the member countries failed to reduce emissions according to the allocated targets. If we continue to reduce emissions according to the current principles and policies, the EU can only reduce emissions by 4.7% on the basis of 65,438+0,990 before 2065,438+0, which is far from the 8% emission reduction target required by the Kyoto Protocol.
Britain and Germany have made the most outstanding achievements in dealing with global warming. The greenhouse gas emissions of EU 1990-2000 decreased by 3.5%, mainly due to their successful emission reduction. Luxembourg, Finland, Sweden and France all exceeded their respective targets before 2000. However, other countries are far from meeting their respective targets, among which Spain and Portugal have the worst emission reduction. In the 1990s, the greenhouse gas emissions of these two countries increased by about 1/3.
At present, the main problem is the carbon dioxide emitted by cars and trucks. In the 1990s, greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles soared 18%.