Europe Strengthens Climate Efforts: Parliament Approves 90% Emissions Reduction by 2040

The European Parliament approved on Thursday the European Union’s ambitious plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by “90%” by 2040. The plan allows “5%” of the target to be covered by purchasing carbon credits from countries outside the Union, as a prelude to turning it into a binding law for all bloc countries.

The plan, nevertheless, does not reach the level recommended by the EU’s scientific advisors, who called for “at least 90%” of the reduction to be achieved without resorting to carbon credits. However, the advisors considered the plan to be in line with the fundamental goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, in order to avoid severe heat waves and droughts.

Despite the difficult negotiations that preceded the vote, the plan remains more ambitious than the commitments of most major economies, including China. The plan was approved by a large majority, with 379 members voting in favor, 248 voting against, and 10 abstaining. In contrast, lawmakers rejected a proposal put forward by the “Patriots for Europe” alliance aimed at completely abolishing the climate target.

The next step is to start intensive negotiations between the EU member states and the European Parliament to determine the final details regarding the purchase of foreign carbon credits, which will allow up to “5%” of the target to be covered. This measure will effectively reduce the required emission reductions from European industries to “85%” from 1990 levels. (Al-Ain)