Europe’s Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard has told
Kathimerini English Edition that she fully backs Greece to keep to its
environmental targets despite the impact of the economic crisis and the
need for the country to seek foreign investment in a range of projects.
Environment
Minister Tina Birbili recently expressed concerns about the
environmental impact of a project agreed upon with two Qatari firms to
transform the western port of Astakos into an energy hub. The deal
collapsed last week for other reasons but Birbili’s reservations raised
the question of whether foreign investment schemes will match PASOK’s
ambition of improving Greece’s green credentials, particularly in the
case of the deals signed with China, which has a poor environmental
record. But Hedegaard is confident that Greece’s policy on climate
change will not be compromised.
“I understand that the Greek
situation is extremely difficult,” she said. “But I was encouraged some
two weeks ago, when I had a meeting with Environment Minister Tina
Birbili, and I got the very clear impression that the Greek government
wants to keep addressing energy efficiency and better energy
infrastructure.”
Greece, like all European Union countries, has
pledged that by 2020 it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least
20 percent, that 20 percent of its energy consumption will come from
renewable resources and that primary energy use will be reduced by 20
percent. Hedegaard said she is convinced that Greece will stick to these
goals despite the economic crisis. Hedegaard also encouraged the
government to invest in green, or environmentally friendly, growth and
not be put off by what it might cost. “Green growth does not come for
free,” she said. “But if you take the whole spectrum into account, you
will see it is an investment in better health, a better environment and
cleaner waters.”
The government believes that more than 250,000
jobs can be created through building up the green economy.
(by Nick Malkoutzis, "Kathimerini English Edition", 10/27/2010)