1 A VIEW FROM INDUSTRY Special event, 25 th Anniversary of the 1979 Geneva Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution Geneva, 1 December 2004 Dr Bill KYTE, OBE Chairman Environment and Sustainable Development EURELECTRIC Dr Bill KYTE, OBE Chairman Environment and Sustainable Development EURELECTRIC

2 On this important celebration day, the European Electricity Industry and the European Petroleum Industry as Observers to the Convention, welcome the opportunity to share their appreciation of its key achievements: Enabling an impressive journey from the simple first protocols to the complex multi-pollutant, multi-effects basis of the Gothenburg protocol Catalysing and driving the development of a number of important related EU Directives such as the Large Combustion Plant Directive and the National Emission Ceilings Directive Success and importance of the Convention

3 From simple beginnings to effects-driven approach l The first three Protocols on SO2, NOx and VOCs simply required fixed cuts in emissions for each signatory l The establishment of EMEP in 1977 was a key step through the development of source-receptor relationships l The Co-ordination Centre on Effects provided the mapping of critical loads/levels for Europe paving the way for an effects driven approach l The development of Integrated Assessment Models enabled the cost-effective delivery of the environmental targets to be explored

4 Technology vs. environmentally driven legislation Historically, two approaches have been used to underpin Environmental Legislation: The Technology driven approach: Progressive reduction of emissions of the pollutants of concern based on Best Available Technologies The Environmentally driven approach:  definition of environmental targets (A/Q standards, critical load/levels)  relationship between emission sources and their contribution to the environmental concern via dispersion modelling  determination of the least cost mix of measures required to deliver the target(s) via “Integrated Assessment Modelling”

5 Rational approach and cost-effectiveness l The Oslo Protocol was a key milestone in Europe and a forerunner of the Environmentally Driven Legislation l It catalysed the environmental driven approach which has dominated the development of both EU and UN-ECE air related legislation over the last decade such as: –European Auto Oil programme, UN-ECE Gothenburg Protocol and parallel EU National Emission Ceilings Directive (NECD). l To Industry this is the rational approach since it seeks to solve environmental problems in the most cost-effective way.

6 What has been achieved? Among all elements targeted by the Protocols, a focus on acidification:

7 Uncertainty assessment: an increasing need l Growing complexity (multi-pollutants, multi-effects) l Increased reliance on IAM for expressing interactions : –Bridge between complex science and practical policy l However, greater responsibility on scientific community to ensure that effects of uncertainties are expressed in relevant policy terms

8 Enabling a unique framework for further developments l The Convention has created/catalysed a unique network co-operative programmes and centres of excellence: –Gathering of best, multiple scientific expertise –Combination of various organisations where academic, public and private sectors are working together effectively l It has also enabled a co-operative working mode which has proven to be most efficient: –Formal, yet light administrative structure –Flexible and responsive working groups –Efficient communication channels l This has resulted in a mature, powerful scientific structure which is an invaluable asset for the future

9 Where from here? One of the future challenge for the Convention will be to find an appropriate role in the light of an ever-enlarging EU Overlap between EU legislation and the Convention’s protocols serve as a forerunner of this challenge Deployment of the Convention activities across a broader geography to include in particular emerging economies from the East is a key opportunity to tackle the new global environmental challenges faced by the planet Whatever the future, preserving the long established scientific networks and centres of excellence will be key to in supporting new European environmental policy

10 CONGRATULATIONS!