The council of experts looked at climate policy. The verdict is clear: we must speed up

More action in various fields is needed for us to meet our climate goals, she wrote in a new report. A team of specialists operating at the European Union assessed how well we are doing in meeting our own plans: cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 55%. by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality (i.e. a reduction of nearly 100%) by mid-century.

Experts stated that actions under the European Green Deal and the Fit for 55 package (i.e. EU regulations that are intended to reduce emissions by 55%) have brought results. But at the same time, we still need to act bolder and faster. It is important, among other things, to move from planning and creating policies to actually implementing them. Member countries must take the green transformation seriously.

The reference point for reducing emissions is 1990. We are already emitting much less – by 2022 our emissions have decreased by 31%. compared to 1990. However, it took over 40 years. Now there are only seven left to reach 55%. If we are to meet the target we have set for ourselves, emissions must fall twice as fast as on average in 2005-2022. In short: climate policy must accelerate.

Carbon dioxide emissions in the European Union from the combustion of fossil fuels and industry in the years 1950-2022 Image: OurWorldInData.org / CC BY

Specifics to be done

In addition to assessing the progress of climate policy, the council issued a set of recommendations. Firstly, EU countries must implement policies that will reduce the use of fossil fuels and emissions, including those from the Fit for 55 package. This includes, among others: reform of the emissions trading system, binding emission limits in the transport, buildings and industry sectors, moving away from combustion cars and green transformation in the energy sector. According to experts, the Commission should force EU countries to adapt their climate plans to this (if they have not done so already).

The Council recommends the urgent and complete phase-out of fossil fuel subsidies in the EU, in line with existing commitments.

The report also paid attention to the social aspect of transformation and consultations with societies. We read in it, among other things, that “by informing and engaging citizens and other stakeholders, consultations can increase public support for climate policies and actions.”

Experts point out that agriculture and forestry are largely ignored sectors when it comes to specific emission reductions. This must change: if we are to achieve climate neutrality, it is not enough to get rid of coal-fired power plants and combustion cars, because agriculture is also responsible for a large part of greenhouse gases. The council recommends “stronger incentives for climate action in the agricultural sector and the food system”, including a review of EU agricultural policy and starting work on introducing some form of carbon pricing in the agriculture, food and forestry sectors.

At the beginning of February, the European Commission is to propose an emission reduction target for 2040. Previously, the expert council recommended that it should be 90-95%. According to unofficial information, the Commission’s proposal to member states will include a target at the lower end of the recommendation, i.e. reducing emissions by 90%.