- EU Climate Target Falls Short on Ending Fossil Fuels, Criticized by Greenpeace
Leaked drafts of the European Commission’s proposed 2040 EU climate target, set to be unveiled today, have sparked criticism from environmental advocates like Greenpeace. The absence of concrete timelines to phase out coal, oil, and gas represents a significant omission, according to the environmental group.
Burning fossil fuels for energy remains a primary driver of human-made greenhouse gas emissions in the EU, accounting for approximately 75% of the total emissions. Despite the urgency to transition towards cleaner energy sources, the proposed target lacks clarity on ending reliance on fossil fuels.
Moreover, the Commission has backtracked on its initial plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the agriculture sector, a decision that has raised concerns among environmentalists.
The proposed target aims for a 90% net carbon emissions reduction by 2040, based on 1990 levels. However, the term 'net' includes not only actual emission reductions but also attempts to capture emissions at the source and efforts to remove carbon from the atmosphere.
Greenpeace EU climate campaigner Silvia Pastorelli criticized the proposed target, likening it to a lung cancer prevention plan without addressing smoking cessation. Pastorelli emphasized the urgent need to phase out fossil fuels to mitigate the worst effects of climate change.
Despite the pressing need for swift action, the Commission's plans still envisage a role for oil, gas, and nuclear energy in the coming decades. This contradicts the goals outlined in the Paris climate agreement, which aims for EU climate neutrality by 2040.
Greenpeace also warns against the significant role assigned to nuclear energy, highlighting the potential diversion of funds from renewable energy projects. Moreover, the latest leaked announcement overlooks measures to cut emissions from agriculture and end subsidies for fossil fuels, contrary to earlier drafts and scientific recommendations.
In response, Greenpeace EU agriculture policy director Marco Contiero underscored the vulnerability of European farmers to the impacts of climate change, emphasizing the need for policy measures aligned with scientific advice.
The debate over the EU climate target underscores the challenges and complexities involved in addressing climate change while ensuring a sustainable future for all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q1: What is the criticism leveled against the European Commission's proposed 2040 EU climate target? A1: The target lacks concrete timelines to phase out coal, oil, and gas, criticized for its omission by environmental advocates like Greenpeace.
Q2: What percentage of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU is attributed to fossil fuels? A2: Fossil fuels account for approximately 75% of human-made greenhouse gas emissions in the EU.
Q3: What is the proposed net carbon emissions reduction target by 2040? A3: The proposed target aims for a 90% net carbon emissions reduction by 2040, based on 1990 levels.
Q4: What concerns are raised regarding the Commission's plans for the role of oil, gas, and nuclear energy? A4: The plans contradict the goals outlined in the Paris climate agreement, which aims for EU climate neutrality by 2040, and may divert focus from renewable energy projects.
Q5: What are some key omissions in the latest leaked announcement from the European Commission? A5: The announcement lacks measures to cut emissions from agriculture and end subsidies for fossil fuels, contrary to earlier drafts and scientific recommendations.
- Leaked drafts of the European Commission’s proposed 2040 EU climate target lack dates to phase out coal, oil, and gas, criticized by Greenpeace.
- Fossil fuels account for around 75% of human-made greenhouse gas emissions in the EU.
- The Commission also scaled back plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions from farming.
- The proposed target aims for 90% net carbon emissions reductions by 2040, based on 1990 levels, incorporating emission reductions and carbon capture efforts.
- Greenpeace criticizes the absence of a phase-out plan for fossil fuels and subsidies, advocating for swifter action to avoid the worst effects of climate breakdown.
- The Commission's plans still involve oil, gas, and nuclear energy, diverting focus from renewable energy and energy efficiency measures.
- The latest leaked announcement lacks measures to cut emissions from agriculture and end subsidies for fossil fuels, contrary to earlier drafts and scientific recommendations.
