Greenpeace activists have staged a protest in Prague to call on European heads of state meeting nearby to boost renewable energy solutions and energy savings measures.
The protestors pointed to growing demand among Europeans in favour of renewables, and demanded greater EU investments in electricity sources such as solar and wind.
“The message we want to deliver to politicians today is that their continued refusal to properly invest in energy savings and renewable energy instead of deepening ties with the fossil fuel industry has left our societies inherently vulnerable,” said Campaigner at Greenpeace Czech Republic Miriam Macurova.
Campaigner at Europe Beyond Coal Duygu Kutluay added: “Europe is in the midst of a full-blown fossil fuel crisis, and 87% of Europeans see massive investments in renewable energy solutions as the answer. With the prospect of a further two trillion euro leap in bills next year, EU renewable energy and energy efficiency targets need to be much more ambitious.”
Energy policy expert at CAN Europe Elif Gunduzyeli said: “It is heartbreaking to see our dependency on fossil fuels driving millions into poverty, funding war, and deepening the climate crisis. But by committing to an energy efficiency target of at least 20%, and a renewable energy target of at least 50%, we can lower our exposure to Russian, and other fossil fuels, and build the new renewable energy solutions we need to turn the situation around.
“National and EU policy makers must seize the opportunity and agree to higher targets.”