EU Aims for 90% Emissions Reduction by 2040, Faces Political Resistance

The European Commission is preparing to introduce a new law setting an interim 90% emissions-reduction target by 2040, pushing the bloc closer to its 2050 carbon neutrality goal. This proposal, part of the European Climate Law amendment, aligns with the EU’s broader Green Deal but has sparked criticism from various political groups.

Climate Action vs. Economic Concerns

While the EU has already pledged to cut emissions by 55% by 2030, the new plan seeks to accelerate decarbonization efforts. However, concerns about competitiveness and high energy costs have led to resistance from far-right factions and some member states. To address these concerns, the Commission will soon unveil a strategy focused on industrial competitiveness, affordable energy, and economic security.

Green groups have warned that simplifying regulations should not weaken climate policies. Terry Reintke, President of the Greens/European Free Alliance Group, stated:

“The planet is burning, and we cannot risk letting the positive steps we have taken be reversed under the guise of reducing bureaucracy.”

Missed Climate Deadlines and Global Inaction

The EU’s climate policy discussions come as 182 countries missed a crucial deadline to submit updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Major polluters, including China, India, and the EU, failed to meet the February 10 deadline.

Only three of the world’s top ten economies—Brazil, the UK, and the US—submitted their NDCs on time, though Canada has since followed. Climate Action Tracker’s analysis suggests that the UK’s 81% emissions reduction target by 2035 is the only proposal close to the 1.5°C goal.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgency of climate action, stating:

“The Paris Agreement can survive, but we don’t want a crippled Paris Agreement. We want a real Paris Agreement.”

The World Off Track

Despite global commitments, the world remains far from meeting the 1.5°C target. Current emissions pledges put the planet on track for a 2.6-3.1°C temperature rise by the end of the century, potentially triggering irreversible climate tipping points.

With COP30 set to take place in Brazil, nations are expected to submit updated climate plans in the coming months. Whether these plans will be ambitious enough to align with global climate goals remains uncertain.