The leaders of the countries of the South of the European Union have clarified their commitment to the implementation of the Paris Agreement and to the goal of limiting the rise in world temperature by 1,5 degrees Celsius.
The leaders who participated in EUMED9 Summit on Climate Change and the Impact on the Mediterranean Declaration of Athens in which it is pointed out that:
Athens, 17.9.2021
Declaration of Athens on climate change and the environment in the Mediterranean
The EU Southern Countries France, Greece, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Cyprus, Malta, Portugal and Slovenia, which met on 17 September 2021 in Athens at the level of Heads of State and Government, with the participation of the President of the European Commission, emphasize the their common and strong belief that urgent and ambitious global action - at national, regional and local levels, with the involvement of all stakeholders, especially civil society and the private sector - is now more than ever tackling the escalating climate and environmental crisis and creating a secure, prosperous, just and sustainable future for our societies in the 21st century, based on circular economy standards.
EU Southern Countries:
Climate change
EUMED9 Summit
- Reiterate their firm commitment to the implementation of the Paris Agreement and to the goal of limiting global warming by 1,5 ° C relative to pre-industrial levels, as well as their commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050, according to the European climate law and the EU target to reduce clean greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, from 1990 levels.
- Taking note of the report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, published on 9 August 2021, which emphasizes that immediate and enhanced action to curb climate change and reduce global warming by 1,5: XNUMX ° C in relation to pre-industrial levels is required.
Recall the UN Secretary-General's Declaration of 9 August 2021 on the impending danger of the planet reaching 1,5 degrees in the near future. The only way to prevent this limit from being exceeded is to urgently step up our efforts and take a more ambitious path, actively responding to its call to reduce the temperature rise by 1,5 degrees Celsius.
- Express their appreciation for the work of the Italian G20 Presidency in strengthening the relevant global ambition and welcome the results of the Ministerial Conference on Climate and Energy in Naples.
- Recognize that the Mediterranean is extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change, as it is prone to extreme weather events, and is already experiencing more extensive, frequent and intense heat waves, droughts, heavy rainfall, floods and forest fires. As a result, the area is now experiencing unprecedented ecological damage and the potential for response is reaching its limits.
- They emphasize that this vulnerability is going to increase due to the accelerating effects of climate change in the region, with negative economic impacts and losses, both now and in the future. In this regard, these implications and climate cohesion must be taken into account in the development and implementation of EU climate and energy policies, and properly addressed and recognized to ensure that our countries are not at a disadvantage. in the context of a changing climate.
- Recognize the need for decisive adaptation and resilience policies in line with the new EU Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and for prevention measures in all areas that are expected to be significantly affected by climate change in the Mediterranean region - including environmental and socio-economic sector - in a cross-sectoral way, as the effects of climate change pose serious risks to the environment, society and the economy.
- Agree to intensify multilateral cooperation through the exchange of experiences and best practices in the design and implementation of the necessary adaptation policies and prevention measures to minimize risks at national, regional and local level, with the involvement of all stakeholders, including key public authorities, civil society and business.
- Underline the need to engage in active dialogue and promote joint initiatives and responses with all Mediterranean countries, adopting a regional approach to the climate crisis, in line with EU action.
- Commit to meeting the objectives of the Europe Green Agreement and promoting relevant legislative adjustments, as part of the "Fit for 55" package.
- Emphasize the need to consider the following principles throughout the negotiations of this package: ensuring carbon sequestration, social justice and technological neutrality, supporting innovation and industrial transitions, taking into account the efforts made so far.
- Support the principle of a Coal Border Adjustment Mechanism, which serves as a climate measure that effectively mitigates the risks of carbon leakage, while fully complying with WTO rules.
- Commit to work towards the protection of the cultural and natural heritage of the Mediterranean, which is threatened by the effects of climate change, by taking active action and supporting the initiative "Tackling the effects of climate change on the cultural and natural heritage of Greece" at the 2019 Climate Action Summit, which was recognized by the UN Secretary-General, with the full participation of UNESCO, the WMO and the UNFCCC. In this context, they agree to participate in a pilot project for the protection of cultural and natural heritage, which is under development.
- Point out the need to take the necessary actions to immediately and rapidly align public and private investment flows with the policy of low greenhouse gas emissions and climate resilience, in order to accelerate the development of environmentally friendly infrastructure with a low carbon footprint.
- Recognize the need for future coordinated action to address the weaknesses due to the limited connectivity between the Mediterranean and mainland Europe.
- Agree to work closely together to build synergies to promote the necessary transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources and low carbon technologies, through effective public participation in their design and development with maximum attention to natural ecosystems.
- Agree to play an active role in the global communication of the particular climate sensitivities of the Mediterranean region, emphasizing the importance of the Ocean-Climate relationship and the need for climate action.
- Agree to promote climate change adaptation solutions based on the very function of nature and to ensure adequate protection, in particular, of ecosystems critical to disaster prevention, such as coastal zones, watersheds, wetlands, forests and urban areas.
- Recognize the fundamental role of the ocean in sustaining life on Earth and the significant pressures that exist, inter alia, due to climate change. They agree on the need to step up actions to protect and protect the ocean and are committed to protecting at least 30% of the world's oceans by 2030, as well as to enhancing ocean-friendly adaptation.
- Recognize the effects of climate change on the reduction of runoff and the renewal of aquifers, which, combined with higher demand, are expected to lead to increased water scarcity, especially in the southern and eastern regions, which already have limited water resources, with an increasing number of the population is threatened by water scarcity.
- In view of the UNFCCC COP26, underline the need for all parties to adopt more ambitious goals, in a coherent and balanced way, and to commit to their implementation, and will work within the EU as well as with third partners, with a view to achieving the most ambitious result in COP26, according to the EU's "Fit for 55" package.
"They emphasize once again that the climate crisis is a global threat that requires coordinated global action, and therefore call on all countries to act collectively and without further delay," the UN Secretary-General said on the 9th. August.
"In the light of the above, respecting existing regional agreements, we agree to further expand the work of the EU Southern Countries Group by organizing sectoral meetings, at all levels, as appropriate, in a flexible and informal framework, in order to facilitate effective coordination and exchanges between the nine Partners ".
photo Eyem, Image license by freepik.com
