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EU climate ministers agreed on a 2040 target that includes flexibilities weakening the bloc’s 90% emissions-reduction goal. (Photo: iStock)
After months of delay, European Union climate ministers agreed on Wednesday to a 2040 climate target that includes flexibilities, weakening the bloc’s 90% emissions reduction goal. The deal also postpones the start of the EU Emissions Trading System for buildings and road transport (ETS2) to 2028.
"We don't want to destroy the economy. We don't want to destroy the climate. We want to save both at the same time," Polish Deputy Climate Minister Krzysztof Bolesta said on Tuesday.
Flexibilities and 5% foreign offsets could raise emissions by 50%
EU countries agreed to cut emissions by 90% by 2040, compared to 1990 levels, but the deal includes three “flexibilities” that could weaken real emission reductions.
