Jill Evans MEP has voted for an increase in the greenhouse gas reduction target to 30% by 2020. The European Parliament’s environment committee adopted the report submitted by Greens/EFA MEPs.

After the vote, Jill Evans MEP said,

"Climate change is the greatest threat facing our planet today. This vote sends a timely and important signal to European governments that raising the target is not only essential for tackling the climate crisis, but would also give a boost to the economy.

“Research proves that the European Union's (EU) current 20% emissions target for 2020 is completely obsolete. Stepping up to a 30% emissions reduction target will create millions of extra jobs.

“The Welsh Assembly has already agreed to reduce emissions by 40% by 2020 and Plaid will push to make sure that this decision results in meaningful action. I hope that the Climate Change Commission for Wales will play an important role in this.

"The EU's low emissions target is a stumbling block in international efforts to tackle climate change. Many countries have now pledged more ambitious climate change actions. With a higher target, the EU can once again be a leader in international climate diplomacy.”

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