The European Commission intends to significantly increase climate targets. By 2030, it wishes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45%, compared to the 40% initially anticipated.
The European Commissioner for Climate, Miguel Arias Cañete, explained to DPA, the German news agency, “My intention is to put this question to member states.” The Spaniard wishes to obtain the EU’s decision in October.
The commissioner’s calculations indicate that the new objective will be reached, provided that European decisions as regards energy savings and the development of renewable energy are implemented.
The objectives in these two spheres were increased in June. These included a further 32.5% increase in energy efficiency instead of 30%; and an increase to 32% in the share of renewable energy used to meet overall energy demand, rather than 27%.
Cañete stresses, “Based upon our calculation models, we should de facto achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 45% within the EU.” The base reference year is 1990. He goes on, “In any case, the EU is taking a tough line in view of the forthcoming discussions around the most ambitious objectives during the world climate conference in Katowice.”
In December, the Polish city will host a summit ahead of the lead-in to the implementation of the Paris Agreement. In 2015, the international community had agreed to keep the increase in the global temperature “well below” 2°C by 2100, when compared to pre-industrialization levels.
The Brussels Times
