The aim of the audit was to assess the actions taken in the states involved in order to implement the provisions of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol to this Convention, Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and the requirements of the national legislation with regard to: the performance of observations on climate change and its effects, actions taken to mitigate climate change, forecasts and assessments of the actual anthropogenic greenhouse gas emission and absorption levels, and reporting on the scope of the actions taken and planned to be taken in order to mitigate climate change and the achieved effects of these actions.
The audit demonstrated that climate change observations were performed in all the countries involved, covering climate variables, as well as analyses and interpretation of the research results. Although the scope and frequency of the research done in the individual states varied, the basic climate variables were tested everywhere. In all ten states, measures were taken to mitigate climate change, for example by way of limiting greenhouse gas emissions, and bodies responsible for organising activities with this regard were established. The audit showed that in all countries national and sectoral strategies, programmes or action plans necessary to stabilise and limit greenhouse gas emissions were developed or were being elaborated. As a result of the measures taken, in the majority of the states the greenhouse gas emissions were reduced, while they grew only in one country.
The audit also showed that in all the states in question the measures to mitigate climate change were monitored. The required reports were prepared and submitted to the UNFCCC Secretariat and the European Commission.
The audit results have been presented in the Joint Final Report which is available here:
EUROSAI AUDIT 2009 - Climate change