Commission impact assessment
Climate
Today, First Vice President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans, released the Commission's impact assessment of a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 55% by 2030. The European Commission expects economic growth to be linked to CO2 reductions. The European Commission has also today presented its proposal for the European Climate Change Bill with the new climate target of at least 55% reduction in polluting emissions. The Greens/EFA group continue to push for a 65% climate target in order to meet the Paris climate targets. Negotiations with the Council and the European Commission can start after the vote on the European Climate Law, expected to take place in the European Parliament plenary session on 5-8 October.
Bas Eickhout MEP, Greens/EFA Vice President in the Environment Committee, comments:
"The Commission has shown that, not only is reaching higher targets is possible, it's beneficial for businesses, people and the environment. Right now, the Arctic ice caps are melting faster than ever, California's skies are red from forest fires and more tropical storms and hurricanes ravage communities than ever, and all this is with just one degree of warming. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's step towards a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions is a step in the right direction, but I’ll keep on pushing for the 65% reduction target to keep global warming temperatures below 1.5c.
"The European Commission must not play around with numbers to calculate the climate target. Tricks in the calculation of such a vital target damages the climate and undermines trust. We need concrete steps to halt climate collapse such as phasing out coal by 2030 and using 100% renewable energy. The German Council Presidency must make the swift conclusion of the European climate law a priority. Ahead of the COP in Glasgow in 2021 , the EU must take a pioneering role in protecting our climate."
More:
The European Commission has changed the basis of calculation for the 55% target and now assumes net emissions. This means that it deducts so-called negative emissions from the calculation, for example those caused by afforestation, which removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
