EU Approves Landmark 2040 Climate Target: 90% Emissions Cut by 2040

European Union climate ministers have approved a landmark target to cut net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040 compared with 1990 levels. This ambitious goal serves as an essential bridge between the EU’s 2030 emissions target of a 55% reduction and its long-term aim of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The agreement outlines that member states can use international carbon credits to cover up to 5% of their reduction obligations, effectively lowering the required domestic cuts to around 85%. Additional flexibility could be introduced in future reviews, potentially bringing domestic reductions closer to 80%. While these measures are designed to accommodate varying national capabilities, they have sparked debate over the strength and credibility of the final target.

Ministers also agreed to delay the introduction of the expanded emissions trading system for transport and buildings (ETS2) by one year, moving its start date from 2027 to 2028. The delay aims to ease pressure on member states and households facing economic challenges, while still maintaining the EU’s overall climate trajectory.

The 2040 framework also emphasizes protecting industrial competitiveness and ensuring a fair transition for workers and regions most affected by decarbonization. Policymakers have acknowledged that achieving a 90% cut will require massive investment in renewable energy, clean technologies, and carbon capture, alongside reforms in agriculture, manufacturing, and transport.

Environmental groups have welcomed the new target as a crucial signal of continued climate leadership but warned that the built-in flexibility could dilute its real-world impact. They argue that achieving genuine decarbonization will depend on clear sectoral roadmaps, stronger governance, and binding national implementation measures.

Overall, the 2040 target marks a defining moment in the EU’s climate strategy, setting a long-term direction for policy and investment across the bloc. However, with competing pressures from industry, energy security, and social equity, the challenge now shifts from target-setting to tangible delivery. How effectively the EU turns this ambition into action will determine whether it remains a global leader in climate policy or risks falling short of its net-zero vision.

Source:

https://esgnews.com/eu-climate-ministers-approve-2040-target-of-90-emissions-cut/