It underlines detailed measures to be taken in key areas of society, such as CO² Capture and Storage (CCS), agriculture, forestry, emission trading scheme, fisheries, and health etc. It also calls for climate change issues to be incorporated in other policies and areas, e.g. international trade. Importantly, the report acknowledges that long-term education efforts as well as technology development and transfer are crucial and that research and development focused on more environmental-friendly methods should be reinforced.
On 4 February 2009, the European Parliament passed a resolution on climate change policies setting out measures covering diverse areas of society: emission trading scheme, CCS, agriculture, forestry, soil protection, fisheries, and health, to name but a few.
For instance, it recommends the EU to set up satellite-based monitoring systems and the necessary infrastructure to guarantee early detection and long-term survival, in particular of tropical and rainforests as well as boreal forests. Besides, the care and reforestation of the European forests are planned to be supported by monitoring programmes. Therefore, global monitoring systems require the establishment of a global fund as well as necessary institutional support and administrative bodies.
Furthermore, the European Emission Trading Scheme is considered a vital instrument for achieving emission reduction with maximum efficiency. The report also proposes criteria to be set for the approval of Clean Development Mechanism and Joint Implementation. It highly stresses the application of CCS, considering this as a bridging technology on the way to the decarbonisation of the energy system that, additionally, could serve to complement renewable technologies.
Research and development focused on more environmental-friendly methods of cultivation and optimised farm management should be enhanced as well as funding for research into innovative technologies for the desalination of sea water, new irrigation systems and agricultural and urban water consumption. Additionally, pilot projects to reduce damage from drought or flooding should be made available. Regarding the coordinating role of the EU in the health sector, the report stresses the importance of early warning systems, improved preparedness for disasters and emergency planning.
The “2050 Report” further demonstrates the European Parliament’s clear commitment both to an ambitious EU climate policy and to contributing actively to its development. It is stated that a commonality of views between the institutions is essential to maintain Europe’s leadership in the international negotiations on a new global climate deal.