EU: don't fund more coal plants in Greece!

Despite increasingly dire warnings about climate change, and the immediate need to cut emissions, an EU initiative intended to help poorer countries shift towards sustainable energy is set to be used for funding new coal plants in Greece. Our leaders must be told NOT to burn more fossil fuels that will sign a global death warrant for humankind.

Greece looks likely to win access to up to €1.75bn (£1.56bn) in free carbon allowances for two huge coal-fired power plants. Environmental campaigners in Greece have called for the funding of renewables, noting that not only are they are a better option environmentally but they are also more economically viable for the struggling nation.

Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, a Dutch Liberal MEP on the environment committee, said: “Lignite [coal] has no future and should not be stimulated in any way. Greece’s intention of using public funds to revive its lignite-based model should not be allowed. Article 10C is there to help poor countries towards a sustainable energy future.”

“You couldn’t make this up,” added Imke Lübbeke, WWF Europe’s head climate and energy policy. “The ETS was intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but it now risks being abused to facilitate investments in the new coal plants, which would operate well within the 2060s. This would violate climate targets.”

Please sign this petition to demand that Article 10C does not get misused to fund fossil fuels, but is used to support the development of sustainable energy. Together we can show the EU that the public wants immediate and consistent commitment to sustainable energy.