EU:The European Union needs an "energy revolution" if the problems of global warming and energy security are to be adequately addressed, Green Party leader Trevor Sargent argued yesterday.
Addressing the National Forum on Europe in Dublin yesterday, Mr Sargent said the availability of clean, cheap and secure energy would determine the success or failure of the European economy.
"It will determine the quality of life for European citizens, it will determine the impact of energy scarcity on the most vulnerable in society, and it will determine whether the EU and its member states can be independent on the international stage in promoting and protecting human rights," he said.
Calling for a "sustained period of political leadership" at national and EU level, Mr Sargent outlined a number of broad measures that would go "further and deeper" than those already agreed by the union. These included the rapid introduction of ambitious energy efficiency measures, support for the development and harnessing of renewable energies, and binding targets for greenhouse gas emissions. There was also a need to prioritise energy research and development.
The European Commission has estimated that as many as 87,000 extra deaths a year will occur annually by 2071 across Europe, assuming a temperature rise of three degrees. "These numbers will be dwarfed by predicted deaths and economic chaos in the developing world," Mr Sargent told the forum.
Setting out his party's position on the EU constitution, Mr Sargent said that while the document was welcome for stimulating a conversation on the bloc's future and contained some laudable aspects, others were inconsistent with the Greens' vision. Particular "cause[ s] for concern" were provisions allowing for the increased militarisation of the EU.
He suggested that in light of its rejection by French and Dutch voters, the treaty should be "reassessed". A new convention should be asked to produce, within three months, an "amended, streamlined and enhanced" draft charter addressing the legitimate concerns that have arisen around the present document.
"In order to provide a Europe-wide popular mandate, this amended document should be ratified in a Europe-wide referendum . . . A dual majority - a majority of member states and a majority of the European electorate - should be required for the constitution to be adopted."
