Memorandum to Czech Presidency and Ten Test - EEB

EEB Memorandum to the Czech EU PresidencyEEB’S 10 GREEN TESTS FOR THE CZECH PRESIDENCY OF THE EU1. WORK TOWARDS A LOW-CARBON EUROPE AND PLANET- Consider new climate science showing that the 2° C limit can only be metwith 350-400 ppm CO 2 e (carbon dioxide equivalent) maximumatmospheric concentrations and start discussions on stricter climatechange objectives, including for the EU accelerated emission reductions of40% from 1990 to 2020.- Adapt the Lisbon Strategy and the European Economic Recovery Plan tofocus on energy and resource efficiency and renewables and refrain fromtraditional infrastructure initiatives that will increase pressure on theenvironment.- Boost investments in energy efficiency of buildings by prioritising adoptionof the new Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Increase itsambitions by requiring that, at the latest by 2020, all new buildings arezero- or positive energy and for existing buildings all renovations willtrigger energy efficiency requirements.- Ensure that enough public funding is committed to making investing inenergy efficiency more affordable particularly for low-income-groups.Mobilise a large share of EU Structural Funds, EIB and other funds andfiscal incentives for energy efficiency improvements in buildings, includingsocial housing.- On the Road to Copenhagen, agree on a significant EU fund for mitigationand adaptation to climate change in developing countries and underlinethe EU’s willingness to change to a 30% reduction by 2020 if Copenhagenis successful.2. BIODIVERSITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION- Take initiative for an Ecosystem Rescue Plan that not only seeks to haltthe loss of biodiversity but actually ensures the restoration of eco-systemfunctionality.- Ensure EU funding for adaptation measures to climate change indeveloping countries.- Ensure sufficient funding for SEBI2010 (Streamlining European 2010Biodiversity Indicators) for its key role in evaluating EU progress onbiodiversity protection.- Promote the resilience of natural and human systems, their capacity todeal with change without losing their functionality, as the fundamentaltenet of a European Adaptation to Climate Change Strategy, including byimproving the implementation of EU’s Nature Directives, the protection oflarge natural habitats and developing a ‘Green Infrastructure’ for Europe.5