EU wants more mandatory emissions cuts after Kyoto

BUENOS AIRES - The European Union, the heavyweight in the fight against global warming, will push for mandatory cuts in emissions after the Kyoto protocol expires in 2012 despite fervent opposition from the United States.

Kyoto goes into effect two months from Thursday, but negotiators at this week's UN climate change talks are firmly focused on a new regime for when it ends in 2012 and what can be done to get the United States, the Kyoto drop-out, involved.

EU environment commissioner Stavros Dimas told Reuters in an interview that the EU must stick to what it believes in -- legally binding emissions cuts -- despite calls from some corners this week for a less rigid stance.

"I think what we should do is try to get on everybody on board with mandatory reductions," said Dimas, a Greek lawyer who has held this post for less than a month.

"Of course we should try everything else at the same time -- research, technology, adaptation measures. Science tells us all these means should be used and reductions are necessary."

Under Kyoto, industrialized countries together must reduce emissions by five per cent by 2012 versus 1990 levels and some have deeper cuts than others. Most consider it a first, small step to stop global warming.

The United States, the biggest polluter in the world with 25 per cent of heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions, chafes at the idea of a mandatory caps, which it says thwart growth. That was the main reason US president George W Bush pulled out of Kyoto in 2001.

Italy this week suggested that maybe it was time for negotiators to discuss voluntary targets for after 2012 as a way to entice the United States and fast-growing developing giants China and India, now among the top five polluters.

But Dimas is doubtful of this approach, particularly for industrialised nations.

"Voluntary reductions have not given results up to now. So we need mandatory reduction targets," he said.

The US delegation, headed by undersecretary for global affairs Paula Dobrianksy, has refused to discuss this week a post-2012 regime, calling it "premature."

That stonewalling has many negotiators and environmentalists worried the Buenos Aires conference may end on Friday without any progress in talks. They point to reports that show the world in the midst of some of its hottest weather and biggest natural disaster destruction.

Host country Argentina and the EU are keen on some seminars for informal talks next year to keep climate change talks rolling. But the United States has shot down the idea.

"They are trying to hold back even informal discussions," said Jennifer Morgan, director of climate change at leading environmental group WWF.

Even Dimas shows signs of losing patience with the slow pace of Buenos Aires, a conference that started on a high note after Russia's ratification of Kyoto last month which allows the treaty to go into force February 16.

"I feel a bit frustrated and disappointed that we have such long discussions," Dimas said.

- REUTERS