The European Commission has presented its proposal for a 2040 climate target, recommending that the European Union (EU) reduces its net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by that year compared to 1990 levels.
The EU currently has a 2030 emissions reduction target — to slash emissions by at least 55% compared to 1990. The 2040 target is the “next intermediate step” toward climate neutrality, the EU Commission explains.
The proposal is based on the EU Commission’s detailed impact assessment and the recommendations from the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change. It comes after an almost three-month public consultation, organized by the Commission, that allowed citizens and stakeholders to share their views on the 2040 target.
How reducing emissions by 90% by 2040 will help
As the EU explains, a 90% reduction in emissions by 2040 would:
- “put us on course towards climate neutrality by 2050, building a healthier and safer future for Europeans;
- ensure predictability for citizens, businesses and investors, by making sure that resources invested now and in the upcoming decades are compatible with the EU’s pathway to climate neutrality, avoiding wasted investments in the fossil fuel economy;
- boost the competitiveness of Europe’s businesses, create stable and future-proof jobs, and enable the EU to lead in developing the clean technology markets of the future;
- make Europe more resilient and strengthen its strategic autonomy.”
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What next?
The announcement marks the beginning of a political discussion on how the EU should approach its 2040 climate target. This debate will inform the next European Commission, which will take office after the 2024 elections.
The new Commission will be responsible for formally incorporating the 2040 target into the European Climate Law and establishing policies to ensure a fair and efficient transition to meet this goal after 2030.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of Impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: LIBER Europe.
