Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European Union member nations’ climate ministers approved on Wednesday a 2040 climate change target to slash emissions by 90%, but with flexibilities to weaken this purpose.
As reported by Reuters, during a public vote, ministers agreed in a public vote on the 90% target that would allow nations to buy foreign carbon credits accounting for up to 5% of the 90% emissions-cutting goal, said Danish climate minister Lars Aagaard, who was chairing the discussions.
That would bring the necessary emissions cuts in European industry down to effectively 85%. Aagaard said that the EU has also agreed to discuss in the future the use of international carbon credits to meet 5% of the emissions reductions to take effect in 2040 — potentially further lowering the domestic target by another 5%.
How will EU nations achieve the 90% climate target?
According to a draft of the EU agreement, the softened target would allow countries to purchase foreign carbon credits for up to 5% of the 90% emissions reduction target. This would mean in effect a reduction of 85% of emissions cut within European industry, and we would pay another country to cut emissions on Europe’s behalf.
Ministers also supported a review clause that means the EU can change its 2040 target in the future, if the climate policy has a negative impact on the EU’s economy. The agreement provides for a one-year delay in implementing the EU’s new carbon market for heating and automotive emissions, which will start in 2027.
Which countries opposed easing the emissions reduction plan?
The Czech Republic and Poland have expressed opposition to that policy, citing concerns that it will increase fuel prices. Countries, including France and Portugal, had requested the 5% carbon credits flexibility, while countries, including Poland and Italy, requested a 10% flexibility. Countries, including Spain and the Netherlands, were also opposed to relaxing the target further.
“We have a lot at stake. We are risking our international leadership, which is fundamental in this extraordinarily complicated context,”
Spanish Environment Minister Sara Aagesen told reporters on Tuesday.
“We don’t want to destroy the economy. We don’t want to destroy the climate. We want to save both at the same time,”
Polish Deputy Climate Minister Krzysztof Bolesta said on Tuesday.
Countries like Poland, Italy, and the Czech Republic resisted the original goal of reducing plastic bottles and containers by 90%, arguing it would be unrealistic for domestic industries facing opposition due to higher energy costs, cheaper imports from China, and tariffs on US products.
Other OECD members, including the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden, pointed to worsened extreme weather events and the need to catch up to China in manufacturing green technologies in pursuit of ambitious goals.
