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Former world leaders call on EU to maintain a firm stance on climate

Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland, said on Tuesday that a group of former leaders from around the world are urging Europe not to let trade wars or defence spending divert attention away from climate change issues.

The Elders, the group created by Nelson Mandela as former South African president, will meet with EU and NATO in late this month to discuss ways to soften upcoming corporate climate disclosure regulations to address concerns about competitiveness.

Robinson, Ireland's former president from 1990-97, said that she was concerned about the plans, but that the bloc has an opportunity to seize the leadership of the United States on the fast-growing clean technology market and climate policy in general.

She said: "The crisis that has arisen in the United States due to a federal retreat from climate science and everything related is an opportunity for Europe, the United Kingdom and the rest of world."

It's important that Europe adheres to its principles and sticks to the green industrial policy.

International Energy Agency said that the global market for clean technology such as solar photovoltaics and wind turbines, could grow from $700billion in 2023 to over $2 trillion in 2035. This is close to the value of the crude oil market in the world.

Robinson warned Brussels to not let the war between Russia and Ukraine, trade wars or anti-climate rhetoric from U.S. president Donald Trump dictate long-term thinking about climate issues. She also said that many businesses across the EU were willing to and able support the green shift.

Robinson will join former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem-Brundtland, international human rights activist Denis Mukwege and others to urge Brussels to take a leadership role in tackling some of the biggest threats to the world. They will encourage the EU to develop a timely climate action plan.

The Elders was founded in 2007. They are advocates for peace, justice and human rights, as well as a sustainable world. Former U.N. secretary general Ban Ki-moon, and former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark are members of the group. Reporting by Virginia Furness, London. Editing by Matthew Lewis

(source: Reuters)