Strained 2040 ambition for a heating world

The European Commission has announced a new climate target, aiming for a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by the year 2040. This ambitious goal is in comparison to current levels and is a response to the ongoing heatwave in Europe.

However, the proposed target has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it falls short of the EU's fair share to limit climate warming to 1.5°C and is not in line with the Paris Agreement. The European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change (ESABCC) has concluded that international credits should under no circumstances be part of the emission reduction target, and as little as 16% of international offsets are effective, according to the ESABCC.

The Commission's decision to include 'permanent' carbon removals in the EU Emission Trading System (EU ETS) has also raised concerns. This move could undermine the system's integrity and lower the incentive to cut emissions in heavy industry. The search results do not identify who encouraged the Commission to take this step, which has further fuelled the debate.

The WWF has urged the Commission to address this gap in the European Climate Adaptation package, expected at the end of 2026. The environmental organisation advocates for three separate targets for emission reductions, nature-based removals, and permanent removals, arguing that removals should not replace the drastic cuts in emissions that are needed.

The proposed target is a long overdue announcement, according to some, but the Commission has defended its decision, stating that it is in line with the EU's commitment to combat climate change and protect its citizens from the impacts of extreme weather events, such as the current heatwave.

As the debate continues, it is clear that the EU's new climate target is a significant development in the fight against climate change, and its implications will be closely watched by environmental organisations, policymakers, and the general public alike.