The European Union’s (EU) introduction of its climate action plan, the European Green Deal, has recently gained global attention. This comes in the wake of the international community’s failure to agree on terms at COP 25. As the world’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, behind only China and the United States, the EU’s commitment to tackling climate change is a significant development.
Major Decisions of the European Green Deal
The European Green Deal comprises several key decisions, primarily the goal to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. All member countries of the EU are bound by a law that turns this political commitment into a legal obligation, stimulating future investments. The Paris Agreement had laid down the 2050 climate neutrality target, making EU the first major emitter to agree to it. Climate neutrality refers to the balancing of a country’s emissions through the absorption and removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, also known as a state of net-zero emissions. Absorption can be increased by creating additional carbon sinks like forests, while removal involves technologies like carbon capture and storage. Notably, Bhutan and Suriname are currently the only carbon-neutral countries globally.
Resolution to Increase 2030 Emission Reduction Targets
Under the Green Deal, the EU plans to escalate the reduction in its emissions to at least 50% and aims to achieve 55% in the foreseeable future. Under the Paris Agreement, the EU initially committed to reducing its emissions by 40% by 2030 from 1990 levels, which was the most ambitious among developed countries. However, after the USA’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, they are no longer under any obligation to reduce emissions. EU is one of the major emitters that retain the 1990 baseline for emission cuts mandated under the Kyoto Protocol for all developed countries. Most other countries have since shifted their baselines to 2005 or later under the auspices of the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Sectoral Plans Under the European Green Deal
To help achieve these ambitious targets, the Green Deal incorporates sector-specific plans. These include making the steel industry carbon-free by 2030, revising railway and shipping management strategies to improve efficiency, introducing more stringent air pollution emission standards for vehicles, and devising new methodologies for the energy and transport sectors.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Third-largest emitter | European Union is the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world. |
| Climate Neutrality Target | The EU aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, becoming the first major emitter to adopt this target. |
| 2030 Emission Reduction Targets | The European Green Deal plans to escalate emissions reduction to at least 50%, aiming for 55% in the near future. |
| Sectoral Plans | Sector-specific plans are in place to help meet these targets, including measures for the steel, energy, and transport industries. |
EU’s Role and Responsibilities in Climate Action
Despite having displayed better efforts in reducing emissions compared to other developed countries, the EU has not been entirely fulfilling its climate obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. This protocol requires wealthy and developed nations to provide finance and technology to developing nations to combat climate change. Unfortunately, the EU’s current assistance level, especially towards developing countries’ adaptation needs, is lacking. This lack of fulfillment of obligations by developed countries has led to repeated calls for action from developing countries like India and China.
Limitations of the European Green Deal and Future Perspectives
The Green Deal in its present state is inadequate for achieving the desired emission reductions due to the lack of immediate escalation of climate actions by large emitters and developing countries such as China and India. The withdrawal of the USA has also negatively impacted global steps towards mitigating climate change. For effective climate action, other countries must increase their ambitions and align their reduction targets and policies with global environmental agreements. Moreover, the EU needs to further assist developing nations to ensure that efforts towards conservation are equal and effective.