Today, S&D Group president Gianni Pittella together with European Socialists and Democrats leaders called for an ambitious, universal and legally binding agreement on climate change at the COP21 in Paris.
The progressive leaders signed a 21 point declaration during a ceremony in the presence of French Prime Minister Manuel Valls and the head of the French socialist party Jean Christophe Cambadelis and leaders of all progressive forces in Europe. They highlighted the need to act now against climate change.
S&D Group leader Gianni Pittella said:
“Europe must be at the forefront in the fight against climate change. Today, the European left is united in Paris to push for an ambitious, universal and legally binding agreement on climate change at the COP21 in Paris.
“We want a fair transition towards a sustainable and low-carbon economy. Today we spend the equivalent of one planet and a half per year in resources. The future of our planet is at stake. We need to act now to avoid a new failure like in Copenhagen in 2009.”
S&D Group vice-president responsible for sustainable development Kathleen Van Brempt added:
“By bringing together party leaders, PES and the European young socialists, we can better streamline our activities all over Europe.
“It is of the greatest importance that all social-democrat party leaders agree that the EU has to increase its domestic greenhouse gas reduction targets from the current level of at least 40% by 2030 compared to 1990, together with its targets on renewable energy and energy efficiency,” stresses Van Brempt.
“This is not only necessary to facilitate an effective agreement in the COP21 conference, but also to maintain Europe's avant-garde position in climate policies and cleantech.”
Tomorrow S&D Euro MPs will continue to exchange ideas on how to tackle climate change with young people coming from all EU member states. Join us at la Bellevilloise. 19 - 21 rue Boyer, Paris 75020.
The declaration is available here
The full programme is available here
MEPs involved
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