Feb 26, 2008

Major EU Members Concerned At Economic Impacts Of Emissions Trading

It is good to see some Government's around the world listening to business concerns. Like New Zealand, EU Governments are wanting to show leadership on the policy response to climate change. But unlike New Zealand major European Governments are reluctant to press forward at the cost to industry.

According to this report from The Guardian France and Germany claim that Brussels risks sacrificing European jobs with its plans to cut industrial greenhouse gas emissions.

Europe should lead by example but must not "change the competitiveness of our economy and our companies" by adopting tougher pollution measures than in other parts of the world," said Herve Novelli, France's junior minister for industry.