Thursday 15 June 2017
Multinational businesses have urged the EU to show increased ambition on tackling climate change.
The 21 firms, which include Unilever, Thames Water, EDF and IKEA, have written to European environment, climate and energy ministers ahead of upcoming Council meetings this month.
In the letter, they emphasise the importance of the EU continuing to demonstrate leadership on climate change issues in order to drive jobs, growth, investment and remain competitive with other large economies such as China and India.
The companies, which collectively represent more than €300 billion (£264bn) in revenues, say this is vital if European industries are to survive in the global competition for low carbon goods and services.
Jill Duggan, Director of the Corporate Leaders Group and EU Green Growth Platform, said: "This letter is a timely reminder that Europe’s leadership on climate is being challenged by the large emerging economies and that a strong, ambitious policy framework is needed to help European industry transition to the low carbon economy required to meet the Paris Agreement."