About: climate neutrality
‘We can do it!’: EU chief announces 55% emissions reduction target for 2030
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans on Wednesday (16 September) to target a 55% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 as part of a broader European Green Deal programme aimed at reaching "climate neutrality" by mid-century.
European climate law: How to reach climate neutrality?
With its Climate Law, Europe will be the first continent in the world to have a climate neutrality target for 2050. Whilst this will produce a positive environmental impact, it is expected that some sectors will suffer economically with job...
Warsaw says ‘committed’ to EU’s climate neutrality goal
Poland moved a step closer to formally endorsing the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality goal this week when its climate ministry presented an update of the country’s 2040 energy roadmap during an online event hosted by EURACTIV.
EU lawmakers up the ante, vote for 60% climate target for 2030
The European Parliament's environment committee has voted for a new EU-wide target to reduce carbon emissions 60% by 2030, setting the stage for tough negotiations with EU countries and the European Commission, which is expected to propose a 55% goal next week. EURACTIV Germany reports. InfographicPromoted content
All you need to know about onshore wind
We all know about the huge expansion of offshore wind envisaged in Europe. But the EU wants onshore wind to grow even more: from 174 GW today to up to 750 GW in 2050. This is doable and will bring lots of benefits to the European economy and citizens. Find out about onshore wind’s benefits in this infographic.
Timmermans defends higher EU goals on climate change
If the European Green Deal made economic sense before the COVID-19 crisis, “it makes even more sense now” because it will help reboot the economy, said Frans Timmermans, the EU Commission vice-president in charge of climate action.
EU eyes sustainable fuel quotas to tackle aviation emissions
The European Union is considering quotas to force airlines to use more sustainable fuels as it seeks to clamp down on the climate impact of aviation, the European Commission said on Wednesday (5 August). InfographicPromoted content
National Energy & Climate Plans: 3 key elements for effective delivery
Too lazy to read 26 National Energy & Climate Plans? No problem! WindEurope has assessed them, focusing on three crucial dimensions for the expansion of wind energy: auction schedules, electrification and permitting. Amongst these, permitting remains the biggest bottleneck in...
A green and innovative recovery
There’s no better way to express our commitment to the future of Europe than to invest in research and innovation, as it will help Europe develop the next generation of clean technologies and speed up its economic recovery. This is something EU leaders should keep in mind when they meet on Friday, writes Pascal Lamy.
IEA: Oil crisis is ‘litmus test’ for industry’s resolve on climate
The April oil market crash will test the determination of majors like Shell and BP, which have recently announced goals to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
EU cost-benefit study seen backing 55% emissions cut by 2030
In the middle of the COVID-19 outbreak, the European Commission published last week what would have otherwise been a high-profile initiative: the launch of a cost-benefit analysis of increasing the EU’s climate ambition for 2030 in view of reaching net-zero emissions by mid-century.
Why number crunching can make or break Europe’s climate ambition
After the EU committed to climate neutrality by mid-century, the European Commission is now busy performing a detailed cost-benefit analysis of raising the bloc’s climate target for 2030. Brook Riley peaks into the EU's modelling engine room to decipher the assumptions behind the figures.
A credible industrial pillar for the European Green Deal
If done right, the industrial pillar of the Green Deal can make Europe a world leader in climate-neutral and circular technologies, products and services, writes Ursula Woodburn. Ursula Woodburn is the head of EU relations at the European Corporate Leaders...
Von der Leyen’s first 100 days: Are Europe’s forests – and the climate – in good hands?
The Green Deal promoted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has the potential to strengthen European, as well as global, forests and make a significant contribution to the fight against climate change, writes Hannah Mowat.
Eleven million jobs at risk from EU Green Deal, trade unions warn
The European Green Deal risks deepening economic and social divisions between east and western EU countries, trade unions say, warning the 27-member bloc risks imploding before it reaches its 2050 climate neutrality goal.
EU’s Timmermans responds to Greta’s criticisms over European Climate Law
The European Commission wants to look at all greenhouse gases responsible for global warming and not just carbon dioxide, EU Commission vice-president Frans Timmermans said in response to criticism by teen activist Greta Thunberg.
EU debuts climate law ‘compass’, Greta dismisses it as ‘surrender’
The European Commission officially unveiled its Climate Law on Wednesday (4 March), aimed at making the EU carbon neutral by 2050. But Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg criticised the plan as "surrender".
Electricity boss: ‘EU climate law should be kept short and simple’
As the European Commission prepares its proposal for a landmark EU Climate Law, Eurelectric boss Kristian Ruby urges policymakers to keep it simple and focus on the long-term.
LEAK: EU’s draft climate law leaves 2030 target up in the air
The European Commission’s Climate Law will confirm on Wednesday (4 March) that EU countries will need to become climate neutral by 2050. But plans for 2030 leaves Europe little time to get ready for the UN climate summit in November, with twelve EU member states pushing for an accelerated timeline.
Enlighten the Climate Law with energy efficiency first!
Europe must take the fastest and most cost-effective route towards a carbon-neutral EU, write Adrian Joyce and Julie Kjestrup. And that means starting where the potential is biggest: buildings.
49% of world’s GDP now covered by net-zero targets, study says
Just under half of the world's annual GDP is now covered by nations, regions and cities that are legislating for a net-zero emissions target, a new study has revealed. EURACTIV's media partner edie.net reports.
Glass industry boss: Replacing old windows can bring huge energy savings
If Europe goes climate neutral, it will consume more flat glass, predicts Christian Quenett. And the benefits could be huge: simply doubling the replacement rate of windows, in line with the European Green Deal, would achieve 20% of the EU’s energy efficiency targets for 2030, he says.
Hoffenheim on tree-planting mission in Uganda
Football club 1899 Hoffenheim is planting trees in Uganda to help protect the environment. In the past, sustainability in football meant switching off the stadium lights in the evening, but many clubs are now breaking new ground.