Challenges on energy and climate change
PES member parties look for answers to the following questions:
- How can we find a global agreement on an ambitious Post-Kyoto climate change strategy?
- What is the European dimension of climate change policies?
- How can we combine sustainable economic growth with tackling climate change?
- Which economic and fiscal incentives will ease the necessary transition to a low carbon economy?
- What are the technological key areas of a green industrial revolution?
- How can we organize the right mix of private and public investment, citizen’s choices and political leadership for an efficient climate change policy?
Our Path
Our energy strategy aims at the shortcomings of the market liberalization of recent years. Former monopolies still control production and distribution of energy everywhere in Europe. They prevent the development of a truly European market, on which competition functions to the benefit of the consumers. We want energy markets to function in line with long term policies for secure energy supplies and tackling climate change, and not with short term profits of the financial markets. This calls for stronger regulation.
Europe’s energy supplies come primarily from politically unstable regions. Our priority is the reduction of Europe’s dependence on fossil fuels. Europe’s socialists and social democrats are convinced that renewable energies and energy efficiency are the central elements of the new European strategy.
The reality of global warming leaves little choice. New, sustainable energy sources and a more efficient use of resources are essential. If we want to achieve the ambitious targets necessary for limiting the consequences of global warming, we need big leaps forward in areas such as transport, housing, logistics, consumption, and industrial production. New, cooperative forms of international agreements have to be developed, and new development strategies for under-developed countries need to be explored. Minor improvements are no longer good enough.
Europe’s socialists and social democrats agree that the utilization of renewable energy sources and the tapping of efficiency reserves are the most promising answers to global warming. Strong economic incentives and heavy investment in energy R&D will best ease the transition to a low carbon economy. The PES wants to focus on the economic opportunities this global challenge offers. This will not only make Europe an effective leader in tackling climate change but will also create new jobs and new opportunities for European citizens.
