Energy and climate change
Public awareness for climate change and global warming is rising. For more and more citizens this is the big issue our planet has to face. At the same time volatile energy markets call for a common European strategy. High energy prices threaten employment and growth rates; more and more people struggle to pay their gas, fuel, and electricity bills. Already at its Congress 8-9 December 2006, the PES had adopted the resolution “Secure energy supply and smart, green growth” 
aimed at these concerns.
The results of the Spring Council of 7-8 March 2007 are an important turning-point in the energy agenda. The Council re-affirmed the leading role of Europe in tackling climate change: reducing 20% of the greenhouse gases by 2020 compared to 1990 levels (up to 30% if other industrialized countries follow).
In its Presidency meeting of 28 February the PES approved a declaration on “A new EU energy strategy” to create a progressive, sustainable and long-term energy and to combat climate change. This declaration was used as the base of discussion in the PES Prime Ministers meeting preceding the Spring Council in March 2007, and contributed to the advanced energy and climate change policies adopted at the Spring EU Council.
Many of the latest Spring Council conclusions had already been outlined by the PES specific social democratic approach:
- The need to tackle climate change and energy policy in an ambitious and comprehensive way;
- We recognize the massive growth potential of a future energy-efficient economy;
- We agree on an EU commitment to achieve 30% reduction of greenhouse gases by 2020 and up to 50% until 2050, compared to 1990 (partially attained);
- We want to pursue an energy policy for the average citizens, one that gives citizens a role to participate.
Challenges on energy and climate change
Related themes
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
- Ecological Footprint
- Stern Report
- Meeting the climate challenge , recommendations of The International Climate Change Taskforce, co-chaired by Rt Hon. Stephen Byers MP
(Labour Party, UK), January 2005
