New IPCC climate report: EU can & must accelerate climate action

Today, the IPCC panel presented the third part of its Sixth Assessment Report, focusing on whether and how we can still prevent dangerous climate change and giving recommendations on mitigation measures. The scientists analyse the progress made worldwide and outline technological and social solutions.

Bas Eickhout, Greens/EFA MEP and Vice-Chair of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, comments:

"This report confirms what we have been saying for a long time: If we really want to save the climate, it can still be done. Yet when faced with new challenges, no matter how serious they are, we fall back on the fossil fuel option. We see that again with the current gas crisis. European leaders immediately flew around the world to conclude LNG deals, while there is still  insufficient action on energy saving. This approach is unsustainable, both for the climate and for the economy. There is only one real solution: A full commitment to sustainability. This also requires not putting the Green Deal at risk, and the European Commission to swiftly publish its Nature Restoration Law and its Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive. 

"The European Parliament and EU Member States are negotiating a new climate policy, the Fit for 55 package, to accelerate the transition in Europe. This is needed more than ever if we want to reach the 1.5 degrees target. We must ensure that this new policy is focused on energy efficiency, leading to less energy consumption and then energy sovereignty. As the transition accelerates, we need to be more aware of social consequences and ensure that everyone can participate. We really need to avoid creating a Europe of winners and losers."