In 2005, US total investment in venture capital in high-tech sectors was about three times the level invested in the EU.[12] US venture capitalists appear to be more successful at concentrating their investment on more advanced projects/technologies that are generating higher profits, while European research teams need to seek venture capital at too early a stage when the uncertainties are often still too high for both parties.[13]

In parallel, the Commission is consulting on issues relating to the international negotiations of a new legally binding agreement for climate action as well its policy to enable the demonstration of the carbon capture and storage technology.

47. Considers that the use of hydraulic fracturing in the EU entails risks and adverse consequences for the climate, the environment and public health, and jeopardises the achievement of the EU’s long-term decarbonisation goal; considers, further, that on account of the limited potential of unconventional fuels to help meet the EU’s future energy demand, coupled with high investment and exploitation costs, hydraulic fracturing is not a promising technology; urges the Member ...[+++]States, therefore, not to authorise any new operations involving the exploration or extraction of unconventional fuels in the EU until this is proven to be safe for the environment and the public;

Water scarcity is projected to become a major problem with almost half the world's population living in areas of high water stress by 2030[11]; New risks are emerging with potentially highly disruptive consequences (space weather related events, multi-risk events such as the 2011 Fukushima triple disaster, risks in a digital and high-tech era, including cyber risks); Extensive risk events (small scale, highly frequent, and localised events such as flash floods, fires and landslides) are often underestimated and under-reported but they nevertheless undermine local development as well as national competitiveness; Economies are globalise ...[+++]d and increasingly structured around complex global supply chains; as demonstrated by the 2011 Floods in Thailand the economic shock of a disaster can ripple out to economies and businesses on the other side of the world; Economic and financial downturn puts pressure on national budgets to secure disaster risk management funding.

E. whereas ICT represents nearly 7% of the work force and over 6% of GDP, and whereas there is a serious risk the EU is losing its lead in digital technology, there is an immediate need to step up the innovation in this sector both for the benefit of our climate and for future green jobs creation,

E. whereas ICT represents nearly 7% of the work force and over 6% of GDP, and whereas there is a serious risk the EU is losing its lead in digital technology, there is an immediate need to step up the innovation in this sector both for the benefit of our climate and for future green jobs creation,