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Carmakers urge emission goals agreement from Bali |
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CEOs of 13 auto companies have urged policymakers at the Bali UN Climate Conference to work out a global framework following the Kyoto Protocol. Their call is in line with other industries asking for firm emission goals.
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2007-12-11
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In an open letter to the Financial Times, Europe’s biggest car and truckmakers demand "sound and holistic measures to follow on from the Kyoto agreement." A global deal and coherent public policies would be key to "encourage consumers to choose vehicles with carbon-lowering technologies", the chief executives of BMW Group, Porsche, DAF Trucks, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Daimler, Renault, Fiat Group, Scania, Ford, Volkswagen, General Motors, Volvo and MAN argue.
Addressing the 180 governments currently negotiating a successor to the Kyoto Protocol in Bali, Indonesia, the carmakers pledge their support for a framework to promote Research & Development. Key to further emission reductions would be to remain "tremendously inventive".
The carmakers issued their statement under the European Automobile Manufacturers Association ACEA.
Global Business wants firm targets for single industries
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ACEA's move is the latest in a series of business initiatives to support global emission goals. End November, business leaders of 150 global companies had issued a joint statement to call for a "strong, early action on climate change" to avoid rising economic and environmental costs. The shift to a low-carbon economy would create significant business opportunities, resulting in a pro-growth strategy. In contrast, ignoring climate change would ultimately undermine economic growth.
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On 10 December, business representatives intensified their call for definite emission targets, broken down into clearly segmented timeframes for single industries. Only a firm regulatory environment with penalties for non-compliance would encourage business invest in new technologies and spur innovation, the chair of the International Chamber of Commerce told the Bali delegates. Uncertainty, on the contrary, would have a negative impact on investments, Bjorn Stigson, President of the World Business Council on Sustainable Development – an organization representing hundreds of companies across various sectors - added.
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More information:
› Open Letter ACEA - Financial Times, 10 December
› Read the article "Bali climate talks: Global deal by 2009 still possible", 7 December
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