The leader of the European Commission implored other European leaders to avoid sacrificing the battle against climate change because of the global economic crisis.
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso called for resolve the day before EU leaders meet to address the worldwide credit nightmare. He asked that the bloc stick to its goal of reducing emissions 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2020.
"This is not a luxury we now have to forego," Barroso told a new conference, according to Reuters. "Saving the planet is not an after-dinner drink, a 'digestif' that you take or leave. Climate change does not disappear because of the financial crisis."
His words come as several countries question going forward with the ambitious plans at a time when the world markets are in turmoil. With several west European economies in recession, or at the brink, some are seeking to water down or postpone climate regulations.
Italy and Poland have been the most vocal about rethinking the ambitious goals. Germany hopes that energy intensive industries such as steel and cement, will be proteted against unfair competition by receiving free greenhouse gas emissions permits unless other nations agree to an international treaty.
Environmental groups, as well as countires like Britain, echoed Barroso's call for following through on planned climate action.