EU countries 'should invest in climate protection'

EU countries that are set to be affected by changes to environmental legislation have been urged to do their bit to improve air quality across the continent.

According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), money accrued through the Emissions Trading Scheme should be reinvested into climate protection.

From 2012, businesses such as airlines will be forced to pay when they overrun their allocation of carbon emissions when operating within the EU.

Head of transport policy at WWF-UK Jean Leston said that firms should not be complaining about this initiative, as more than 80 per cent of allowances will be handed out for free between 2012 and 2020.

"WWF calls for clear safeguards that the money will go towards the Green Climate Fund and other climate-friendly investments, not only in the EU but also in developing countries," she remarked.

Earlier this week, the Carbon Trust Advisory revealed details of a study that showed the majority of multinationals operating in the UK would drop suppliers if they thought they had a poor attitude towards the environment and climate change.

Posted by Claire Manning