Thu, 23 Jan, 2014 02:49:56 AM FTimes-STT Report, January 23  File picture of Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen. Photo Lehtikuva. Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen on Wednesday expressed his support to the new climate policy announced by the European Union Commission, terming the policy cost effective.
By virtue of having a common binding target, the new policies are in line with Finland’s objectives, said the prime minister in immediate reaction to the policy presented by the EC underlying a new climate policy up to the year 2030.
The new policy is aimed at introducing a new binding target for EU member states for renewable energy consumption of 27% by 2030.
EU commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard gestures during a press conference on Wednesday. Photo AFP-Lehtikuva. The new framework focused on the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and recommended a 40% reduction comparable to the 1990 levels.
This a shift from the current agreement that called for 20% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.
Katanainen’s sentiments were echoed by Olli Rehn, vice-president of the European Commission and European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs. who said the new policies provided a more flexible and cost effective course of action than in the past.
"Finland has already undergone a long period of sluggish growth. It is important that we carefully assess the effects of the Commission's proposals, particularly on energy production and our energy-intensive industry, before a decision is made. However, I believe that stricter climate change targets could also provide Finland with new opportunities, particularly in the cleantech sector,’’ said the Prime Minister, adding that to make this work, we will need to harness every ounce of our innovation potential. 
Activists of multiple NGO demonstrate in support of the European climate objectives for 2030 at the European Commission Headquarters by the Berlaymont Building, on January 22, 2014 in Brussels. Photo AFP-Lehtikuva. Meanwhile, the environmentalists and Nature Conservations criticised the policy, particularly for lack of determination.
Finnish Association for Nature Conservation and Greenpeace termed the target stipulated by the EC as not enough.
“Small emission reduction target would mean that EU on its part would not do enough of its share to stop global warming,” said Eero Yrjö-Koskinen, executive directive of the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation.
Greenpeace still calls for the implementation of the legally binding emission reductions target of 55% from 1990-2030.
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