The European Commission has set an ambitious target to achieve a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gases by 2040, measured against 1990 levels. This proposal aims to build upon the already established 2030 goal of reducing carbon emissions by 55%, which the Commission asserts that the EU is “well on track” to meet.
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Nevertheless, environmental organizations have voiced their concerns regarding this new target. Critics argue that it relies heavily on advancements in carbon capture and storage technologies and introduces flexibilities that allow for up to 3% of the target to be met through purchasing international carbon credits—essentially paying other countries to reduce their emissions. This approach raises questions about genuine accountability in carbon reduction.
The European Commission defends its new target, asserting that it will create a stable environment for investors, enhance the EU’s competitiveness, and bolster energy security across member states.
However, it is important to acknowledge that recent political shifts, especially the rise of right-wing and far-right parties, have undermined the momentum towards achieving net-zero emissions.
As European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated, this proposal signifies a steadfast commitment to decarbonizing the EU economy. Yet, she has faced criticism for diluting essential components of pivotal legislation, including the European Green Deal. Just last week, the Commission withdrew a proposed ban on greenwashing, the practice where companies exaggerate their environmental efforts.
In light of rising public concern over climate change, the Commission emphasizes its new target as a positive response. According to the latest Climate Eurobarometer, released just this past Monday, a striking 85% of EU citizens view climate change as a serious issue, and 81% endorse the net neutrality goal for 2050.
“As European citizens increasingly feel the impact of climate change, they expect Europe to act,” Ms. von der Leyen remarked. “Industry and investors look to us to set a predictable direction of travel. Today we show that we stand firmly by our commitment to decarbonize the European economy by 2050.” She added that the “goal is clear” and described the proposed path as both “pragmatic and realistic.”
Under the proposed framework, there will be a “limited role” for “high-quality” international carbon credits in the latter half of the 2030s, contributing to the ambitious 90% reduction target by the decade’s end. The Commission also indicated that it will consider the permanent removal of carbon within the EU’s Emissions Trading System.
These flexibilities are touted as being implemented “in a cost-effective way, ensuring a just and socially fair transition for all.” The new target aligns with the Clean Industrial Deal, which updates the Green Deal, along with the Competitive Compass and the Affordable Energy Action Plan.
However, critics like Thomas Gelin from Greenpeace argue that the EU has an obligation “to cut its own pollution.” The organization claims that the proposal falls short of the European Scientific Advisory Board’s recommendation of a 90% to 95% reduction. Gelin emphasized that decarbonization efforts should focus exclusively on the EU’s internal strategies, rather than depending on external nations for progress.
He further stated, “The EU, as a historical polluter, has the responsibility to cut its own pollution, and ironically will make the necessary changes harder for European households and businesses by delaying even further.” Gelin advocates for an EU-wide ban on new fossil fuel projects and a shift toward renewable energy and energy efficiency, which could significantly reduce energy bills and improve air quality for citizens.
On a national level, Ireland is facing its own challenges with a 42% emissions reduction target for 2030. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recent projections indicate that Ireland is likely to achieve only a 23% reduction from 1990 levels, even if all planned climate policies are executed on time. This is a decline from the previous year’s expectation of a 29% reduction, demonstrating a troubling trend in the country’s progress toward legally binding EU targets. The EPA attributed this downward revision to slower advancements in various sectors, including onshore and offshore wind, electric vehicles, and the usage of biomethane.
As we move forward, it remains imperative to ensure that strategies for reducing greenhouse gases are not only ambitious but also grounded in accountability and transparency for a sustainable future.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
