March 4, 2008 - EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas will set out the European Union's latest initiatives to combat climate change in a speech this week to the World Environment Center's Washington Sustainability Forum at the National Press Club.

In January, the European Commission adopted a broad package of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the EU by 20% below 1990 levels by 2020. If other industrialized countries commit to making comparable efforts under the future global climate agreement, the EU will reduce emissions by an additional 10%.

In his speech, Commissioner Dimas will present the Commission's January package of Climate Action and Renewable Energy (CARE) proposals to achieve this ambitious goal. The measures include an enhanced cap-and-trade system, promotion of renewable fuels, and the development of carbon capture and sequestration. These and other measures will constitute the basis of the EU's contribution to the negotiations of a global international agreement.

Commissioner Dimas will argue for an effective global response to climate change and will stress that the European Union is leading by example. "Our message is that leaders from across the developed world, leaders with vision, can work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; can put in place the tools at home and globally that are so essential if we are to succeed in tackling the greatest challenge of our generation."

Founded in 1974, the World Environment Center advances sustainable development through the business practices of member companies and in partnership with governments, organizations, universities, and other stakeholders.

Contact:

Iris Ovadiya, 202-312-1211 or iovadiya@wec.org