In the fight against the climate crisis, the European Commission believes that greenhouse gas emissions in the EU must be reduced by 90 percent by 2040 compared to 1990. This is evident from a draft of the Brussels government’s climate target for 2040. Next week the Commission wants to officially present the new climate target.
The EU’s current goal is to reduce CO2 emissions by 55 percent compared to 1990 levels by 2030 and to be climate neutral by 2050. The legislative package ‘Fit for 55’ under the umbrella of the so-called Green Deal is intended to guarantee this. The strategy includes measures in several areas, such as energy, transport, industry and agriculture. There is currently no interim target for 2040.
“Only option”
As the design shows, three target options for 2040 have been examined. The consequences of reducing emissions by as much as 80 percent compared to 1990 and by 85 to 90 percent were also analyzed. However, a reduction of 90 to 95 percent is the only option that is in line with the recommendations of the European Scientific Advisory Council on Climate Change and that does not jeopardize the EU’s obligations under the Paris Climate Agreement.
“Option 3 provides the EU with the strongest climate action, which is needed more than ever to avoid irreversible tipping points with unknown and potentially catastrophic consequences for human society and ecosystems,” the authors wrote. The longer climate action is delayed, the higher the human and economic costs of climate change will be.
Last week, Germany and ten other countries called on the European Commission to set an ambitious climate target for 2040. “We can only convince others to participate if we do the work at home,” said a joint letter.
In June, the Scientific Advisory Council voted to reduce EU emissions by 90 to 95 percent by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. This reduction is crucial to limit climate risks. In their latest report, mid-month, the scientists wrote that more needs to be done to achieve the EU’s climate targets. They did recognize the potential of the Fit for 55 package. However, additional measures are essential.
Green MEP Michael Bloss said the proposal is at the lower end of what is scientifically necessary. “To be a credible pioneer in climate protection, the European Union must aim for the top.” That is a CO2 reduction of at least 95 percent in 2040.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
