EU 'ready for Copenhagen'

Sweden - in its capacity as the holder of the presidency of the European Union (EU) - has announced that the EU is ready for the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen between December 7th and 18th.

In a statement, minister for the environment Andreas Carlgren said that the EU is ready to send a "forceful" message to other nations ahead of the seminar.

He made his remarks after the EU's environment ministers agreed on a number of council conclusions, including clarification on environmental analysis on how to combat deforestation and undertake sustainable forestry.

Additionally, long-term EU targets regarding emission reductions of between 80 per cent and 95 per cent - compared to 1990 levels - by 2050 have been set.

Mr Carlgren said: "The EU is now sending a forceful and clear signal to other countries in the run-up to the climate meeting in Copenhagen. We are prepared to show the political leadership necessary to save the climate."

Posted by Claire Manning