European environment ministers have formally agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions to a tenth of 1990 levels by the end of the next decade, and given European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen a concrete mandate on the very eve of a summit of world leaders in Brazil.
But the agreement was only possible after significant flexibilities and concessions in other policy areas were offered to a number of EU members – sweeteners that will inevitably spark criticism that the 2040 climate bill has been fatally watered down.
The headline target of a 90% reduction in Europe’s carbon footprint was controversial from the start, with several EU members convinced it would be impossible or economically disastrous. The compromise struck in the small hours of Wednesday after fraught overnight talks allows governments to outsource part of their climate action to the developing world.
Specifically, countries will be able to cover up to 5 percentage-points of the 2040 target by buying UN-backed carbon credits attesting to climate action elsewhere, such as tree planting or switching from coal power to solar. This option will be fully operational from 2036, following a five-year testing phase.
But that was only one sweetener offered to European capitals, each with their own specific concerns: an incoming scheme to put a ‘carbon price’ on heating and motor fuel, set to enter into force in 2027, will be delayed by one year.
Addressing an Italian ultimatum, but reflecting concerns shared by other car-producing countries, the EU will also reassess a 2035 zero emissions vehicles mandate – which amounts to a de facto ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol cars – under the heading of ‘zero, low-carbon and renewable fuels’.
After almost 20 hours of negotiations, only Poland, Hungary and Slovakia voted against the agreement. Belgium and Bulgaria abstained.
The pre-COP30 world leaders summit opens in Brazil on 6 November. Von der Leyen is scheduled to take part in the high level talks on Friday.
More news on this topic to follow.
(rh)
