Labour MEPs have been leading global efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and tackle climate change. Labour MEPs are pushing for as ambitious an approach as possible. By being "first movers" on climate change, Labour MEPs are pushing for an EU that creates new "green jobs", reduces our dependency on imported gas and oil and helps households and businesses cut their energy bills by investing in energy efficiency.

The quality of our environment is crucial for our quality of life and no one country can tackle environmental issues alone. The European Union is leading the rest of the world in tackling dangerous chemicals, cleaning up air and water, and promoting recycling and sustainability.

A number of the recent big gains have been achieved through Labour working in Europe to clean up the environment and tackle climate change and Labour MEPs will continue to be at the forefront of efforts to secure new laws that will deliver the EU's target of reducing CO2 emissions by 30% by 2020.