2040 Climate Target

By Grayson Suh

Recent climate rules in the European Union are trying to push countries to lower greenhouse gas emissions in a more serious way. A new update to the law sets a target that by 2040, emissions should be cut by 90% compared to 1990 levels. This is part of the bigger goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2050. Basically, it means almost every sector, like energy, transport, and industry, has to reduce how much pollution it creates over time.

One interesting part of the rule is that the EU can use a small amount of international carbon credits starting from 2036. These credits can count for up to 5% of the 1990 emission levels. The idea is that countries can support projects in other places that reduce emissions, and then count that towards their own goals. But these projects have to be real and follow the rules from the Paris Agreement, so they aren’t just fake numbers or anything like that.

Even with that option, most of the work still has to be done inside the EU. At least 85% of the emission cuts need to happen domestically. This kinda forces countries to actually change things at home, like using cleaner energy or improving technology, instead of just relying on outside help. It might be harder, but it also makes the system more fair and effective in the long run.

Much of the EU’s recent climate policy is a result of the European Green Deal. The European climate law is the main piece of legislation within the Green Deal, in as much as it makes the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 a legal obligation for all EU member countries.

Overall, this climate law shows that the EU is trying to take stronger action, even if it’s not perfect. It mixes strict rules with a bit of flexibility, which could help countries reach the target without too much economic pressure. Still, it will probably be challenging, and how well it works depends on how seriously countries follow through.

Citations: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/climate-change/