fuelseurope

Established in 1989,72 FuelsEurope’s 40 members constitute the majority of Europe’s refining and fuel industry.73 Its yearly priorities and activities are approved annually by its corporate members, which include some of the world’s dirtiest oil and energy companies.74 On one hand, FuelsEurope has called for global action to mitigate climate change, even expressing support for the Paris Agreement. Simultaneously, it has not only implied Europe is overambitious when it comes to tackling climate change—suggesting that no further action is necessary at this time—but has also directly opposed attempts to strengthen policies to address climate change. Links to the fossil fuel industry Fee-paying members include BP, Exxon Mobil, Shell, Phillips 66, RepSol, Statoil, Total, ENI, Lukoil, and Varo Energy.75 Executives from all but two of these big polluters were on the 2015-2016 board of directors.76 What it says about climate change and its causes FuelsEurope has acknowledged “climate change is real and warrants action.”76 It has echoed support for “the efforts of the international community to address the risks of climate change,” but with the caveat that “the growing global demand of secure, reliable and affordable energy” must still be met. 77 Public stance on the UNFCCC or the Paris Agreement The organization has vocalized support for the Paris Agreement, but its president, Michel Bénézit, continues to stress that there remains “a significant role for petroleum products and fuels for many decades into the future,”76 and that “it is in the interest of the planet” to continue to keep the refining industry based in the EU moving forward.76 It also insists that Europe’s efforts to curb climate change are already enough to meet the 2-degree-Celsius target and warns against a further “increase in Europe’s ambition level.”76 Track record on climate policy ● Protecting business interests at all costs. Although FuelsEurope claims to support the Paris Agreement, its 2015- 2016 annual report expresses worry that these targets will prove burdensome for the industry.76 It promises its members and shareholders that it will “continue to advocate … so that our competitiveness does not get damaged further,”76 and its priorities include ensuring continued production of oil and gas now and in the future.77 ● Opposed emission trading schemes, lower GHG targets, and more. The organization has repeatedly opposed multiple EU climate policies that would strengthen the EU’s commitment to slowing global warming. It has warned against intensifying efforts to lower GHG emissions targets,78-79 adamantly resisted strengthening emissions trading schemes,80 opposed recommendations that favor renewables,80 and insisted that no targets “which could harm the competitiveness of European industry” be adopted without the industry’s full consent.80 ● Shirks the EU’s historical responsibility for the climate crisis. It also argues for Europe to take a back seat in leading climate efforts: “While acknowledging the desire of the EU to continue to show leadership in upcoming global talks to tackle climate change, we need realism ... even the most aggressive reduction measures—if unilateral—would be almost irrelevant in the global balance.” 80 Such an analysis ignores the historical emissions of the region and the EU’s obligation to support the mitigation and adaptation of other nations.