In its strategic vision, the European executive lays out a series of options that should enable Europe to attain carbon neutrality by the year 2050. In other words, by that year, the European Union (EU) should have cut its CO2 emissions to the maximum and “compensated” for any remaining emissions by investing in projects to reduce greenhouse gases.
“The positive effects on the economy, employment and health of a transition to a net-zero-emission economy are many and they are recognised by the Commission today,” Jadot said. “That’s why it is even more incomprehensible for it to limit itself to business as usual in climate policy for the next 10 years.”
For the Green/EFA Group, the strategy “is a wasted opportunity to present clear climate targets towards a CO2-free economy, climate protection, green jobs, and for keeping global warming under 1.5°c”.
To meet this target, “the EU needs to increase its emission-reduction goal to 55% by 2030 (up from the current 40% – editor’s note) and modify all its sectoral policies from now on,” the Greens/ALE group recommended.
Maria Novak
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