Copenhagen 'first step to tougher environment legislation'

The Copenhagen agreement is a step towards a legally binding world-wide agreement on tackling climate change, according to the European environment commissioner Stavros Dimas.

"We must now ensure that the Copenhagen Accord becomes operational and as such constitutes the core of a new climate treaty," Mr Dimas said.

He added that the European Union (EU) would continue to implement climate change policy, regardless of what situations arise internationally.

In addition, the agreements on international biological diversity into the next decade and conclusions on the combination effects of chemicals, which were adopted by the European Council, were welcomed by the commissioner.

The EU is focused on not only ensuring Europe's environmental sustainability, but making sure it gains an advantage in becoming a low-carbon economy.

Following the United Nations Climate Change Conference, it was agreed that financial help of at least $100 billion (£61.89 billion) would be given to poorer nations to help them achieve their carbon emissions targets, plus a two degree limit on global temperature increases.

Posted by Lauren Steadman