The European Climate Law calls on the European Commission to propose an EU-wide climate target for 2040, taking into account an indicative Greenhouse Gas (GHG) budget (defined as the cumulative net emissions over the period) for 2030-2050. The Commission’s initiative for a climate target for 2040 will be accompanied by an impact assessment that will address the different types of impacts related to the target.
This public consultation focuses on the overall level of ambition for 2040 and looks at the possible evolution and role of EU climate policy instruments in order to prepare the ground for future analysis of the policies the EU must implement after 2030.
Climate change remains the defining challenge of the coming decades. As an essential part of the European Green Deal, the European Climate Law enshrines the EU’s commitment to becoming the first climate neutral continent by 2050 and its 2030 climate target of cutting net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 55% compared to 1990 levels. It is now more important than ever for the EU to get and stay on track to climate neutrality and greater climate resilience. This will lead to long-term economic, societal, and environmental benefits for the people of Europe that leave no one behind while providing a positive example to galvanise global action.
The detrimental effects of global warming are becoming more frequent and evident, with devastating impacts all around the world. The urgent need for strong global action to tackle climate change comes at a time of high energy prices, a global food supply crisis, and geopolitical tensions, triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The energy crisis brought about by the war has reminded us of the risks of EU energy dependence and has made very clear the need to step up the transition to climate neutrality in the EU and globally, both for energy security and economic stability and to reduce climate-related disruptions and impacts.
The EU has developed a comprehensive set of climate, energy, environmental and related legislation and enabling policies that have allowed it to reduce GHG emissions and exceed its climate commitments. These policies and measures have led to a clear decoupling between economic activity and GHG emissions and have spurred the development of clean energy.
The EU’s legally binding objective of climate neutrality by 2050 sets the direction of travel. The comprehensive policy framework to deliver on the increased climate target for 2030, the ‘Fit for 55’ legislative package, was proposed by the Commission in 2021. Once it has been politically agreed by the European Parliament and the Council, Fit for 55 will accelerate the modernisation of our economy, the rollout of renewable energy, the deployment of new technologies and will ensure a more efficient use of our natural resources. Improved low- and zero-carbon technologies and experience in implementing climate policies further expand the opportunities for transforming the EU economy and society beyond 2030.
Given the depth of the economic and societal transformations required, the short timeframe and the extent of policy and economic decisions as well as the importance of incentivising the right kind of investments 2 1. 2. 3. and avoiding carbon lock-in effects, the EU needs a clear GHG reduction path beyond 2030 towards the 2050 climate neutrality objective. This will create a better understanding of the urgent need for transformation in the different sectors of the economy and inform the future preparation of a post-2030 climate and energy policy framework.
The European Climate Law calls on the Commission to propose an EU-wide climate target for 2040, taking into account an indicative GHG budget (defined as the cumulative net emissions over the period) for 2030- 2050.
The Commission’s initiative for a climate target for 2040 will be accompanied by an impact assessment that will address the different types of impacts related to the target. The replies to this questionnaire will contribute to the impact assessment and shape the upcoming initiative. This public consultation focuses on the overall level of ambition for 2040 and looks at the possible evolution and role of EU climate policy instruments in order to prepare the ground for future analysis of the policies the EU must implement after 2030.
