WRITTEN QUESTION No. 3116/98 by Graham WATSON Global warming
C 320/26 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 6. 11. 1999 (1999/C 320/034) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3116/98 by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission (16 October 1998) Subject: Global warming We need to build on the first steps taken by the Member States’ Governments at Kyoto last December in order to prevent a global climate crisis. What action will the Commission take to persuade Member States to take stronger action to follow up the Kyoto protocol when they meet in Buenos Aires in November? Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (18 December 1998) The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member that Kyoto is only a first step and that there is a need to build upon it in order to prevent a global climate crisis. The Kyoto protocol only provides for a 5,2 % cut in developed country emissions, whereas the International panel on climate change has estimated that the world needs to cut emissions by between 50 % to 70 % if current concentrations of greenhouse gases, the main agent of climate change in the atmosphere, are to be stabilised. Whatever the limitations of the Kyoto protocol, the Commission’s main objective is to get it ratified and for it to enter into force. Moreover, it is important to ensure that the rules and procedures governing various elements in the protocol, in particular the flexible instruments, are defined in such a way that the environmental objectives of both the convention and the Kyoto protocol are achieved in the most cost- effective manner. On the basis of the work programme agreed at Buenos Aires the Commission will make every effort in the immediate future to ensure that these objectives are secured. It should also be recognised that the Community cannot reverse climate change on its own since it only accounts for around 25 % of industrial country emissions and developing country emissions are growing more rapidly than the developed countries. The Commission believes that the developed countries must take the first step, but in the long run global participation will be necessary. In this context, if the momentum achieved at Kyoto and Buenos Aires could be maintained and the Community delivers on policies and measures to reverse emission trends, both at national and Community level, then it will be easier for the Community and indeed all other parties to make the further commitments that will be necessary. (1999/C 320/035) WRITTEN QUESTION E-3131/98 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE) to the Commission Subject: Use of illegal driftnets to catch bonito (16 October 1998) In view of the accusations by fishermen operating from Burela (Lugo, Spain), that illegal driftnets over 2,5 km in length, and thus in contravention of EU standards, are being used in to catch bonito by the fleets of other Member States, notably Ireland, Can the Commission say whether it is aware of the use of driftnets which are longer than legally authorized? Can the Commission say what fleets and vessels have used such illegal nets? What measures has the Commission taken and what measures does it intend to take to penalize such illegal practices?