The Environment Committee at the European Parliament (EP) agreed on a series of recommendations to EU institutions and countries including putting forward a mid-century zero emissions strategy by 2018, the EP announced on Thursday.
The call came ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP23) meeting this November in Bonn.
Germany will host COP23 meeting from 6 to 17 November this year where nations of the world will meet to advance the aims and ambitions of the Paris Agreement and achieve progress on its implementation guidelines.
The Paris agreement holds the aim of keeping the temperature rise well below 2°C and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature rise to 1,5°C.
Members of the parliament (MEPs) expressed their disappointment at U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of his intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, the EP noted.
“This decision represents a step backwards”, they said, however adding that they welcome the strong responses from governments around the world in favour of the full implementation of the Paris Agreement.
Among the other recommendations, MEPs called for concrete EU and international commitments to deliver additional financing sources.
'Lending and investment practices should be in line with the well below 2°C target, including divesting from fossil fuels and phasing out export credits (i. e. financial incentives) for fossil fuel investments,' they noted.
MEPs also welcomed the development of emissions trading systems globally, as 18 of them are in operation across four continents, adding that they encourage the European Commission to promote links between the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and other carbon markets.
The draft resolution was adopted with 54 votes in favour, none against and 6 abstentions. It will be put to a vote by the full House during the 2-5 October plenary session in Strasbourg, the EP added.
By Ebru Sengul
Anadolu Agency
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