EU Nations Evade 2035 Climate Goals Through Statement of Intent at COP30
The European Union (EU) has announced its climate targets for the years 2035 and 2040, with a proposed binding target of a 90% emissions reduction under the bloc's climate law for 2040. However, the decision on the 2040 climate target is facing delays, causing concern among environmental NGOs.
EU environment ministers recently announced a 'statement of intent' on climate targets for 2035 for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), pledging to achieve a target range between 66.25% and 72.5% for 2035, compared to 1990 levels. This statement, however, falls short of the required ambition level, according to Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe.
The EU's decision on the 2040 climate target will be delayed, according to diplomats, as the bloc needs more time to finalize decisions on the 2035 target. This delay has sparked criticism, with Shirley Matheson, global NDC enhancement coordinator at the NGO WWF, expressing regret over the 'missed opportunity' for the EU to 'inspire others to follow.'
France has set a framework for the EU's 2040 climate targets, but the EU is still struggling to settle on a decision at home. The EU is under pressure to follow scientific advisors on the 2040 climate target and maintain its status as a climate action leader.
The yearly gathering of world leaders at the UNGA next week is adding political pressure for the EU to maintain its position. The environmental organization Climate Action Network Europe hopes that the EU decision on the 2035 target will lead to a stronger climate ambition, ensuring a clear commitment to complete climate neutrality with a binding target that stops the sale of combustion engine cars by 2035.
The European Commission and many member states have underlined that the 2035 milestone depends on a 2040 decision. The Commission has proposed a binding target of 90% emissions reduction under the bloc's climate law for 2040, but the debate on the 2040 climate target will be back on the table at the gathering of heads of State in October.
Without agreement on the 2040 target, the EU cannot complete its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) by the deadline set by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which is on 29 September. The EU will present its NDC, including the targets for 2035 and (hopefully) 2040, at the UN Climate Ambition Summit on 24 September.
The EU is under pressure to deliver a 'clear and strong position' before COP30, the upcoming United Nations climate change conference, in order to maintain its leadership role in global climate action. The EU climate chief has expressed confidence in delivering just that.
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