Belgium now on course to miss 2020 and 2030 climate targets

Belgium now on course to miss 2020 and 2030 climate targets

The European Commission has pointed the finger at Belgium as likely to “miss its climate targets for both 2020 and 2030.” The report, published by Le Soir on Tuesday, flagged that there will be an issue if Belgium fails to take additional measures in this regard. “Further efforts are necessary in the spheres of reducing emissions, renewable energy and energy efficiency,” said the European Executive.  

The European Commission’s report was further clear that “without additional steps, Belgium will not meet its 2020 and 2030 climate targets” for greenhouse gas emissions in non-industrial sectors, specifically transport, housing, agriculture and the service sector. 

On the present course, by 2020 emission levels will have reduced by 12% compared to 2005, whilst they should have reduced by 15% over the same time period. Using the 2005 comparator date, by 2030 Belgium’s emissions will have reduced by 14%, although the target reduction is actually 35%. 

The Commission also spoke of the position for the business sector. In Belgium “the share of large companies that have completed an energy audit is significantly lower than the European average (58% as against 67% across Europe).” The emissions reduction plan should enable successful reduction or removal of greenhouse gases by 2050. However to achieve this Belgium must quadruple, even sextuple, the pace of reduction. The target thus calls for the implementation of new measures. 


The Brussels Times


Copyright © 2024 The Brussels Times. All Rights Reserved.