About: climate neutrality

Carbon removal strategy – Is it needed and will it make a difference?

European Union Member States have agreed to reach climate neutrality by 2050 and increase their level of ambition for 2030. This means that Europe needs to amend many of its climate policies.

Make the Fit for 55 package fit for cities

Europe's new and revised climate legislation needs to enable cities to reach climate neutrality by mid-century, including by encouraging more building renovation and driving the transition to clean energy, European mayors write.

Sector integration: How can the EU best create and leverage an integrated energy system?

To become climate-neutral by 2050, the EU plans to transform its energy system, which accounts for 75% of its greenhouse gas emissions.

EU unveils data-driven climate adaptation strategy, drawing green criticism

More and better data is needed to improve knowledge of how to adapt to climate change, according to the European Commission's new adaptation strategy, which immediately came under fire from green activists for missing binding targets.

China to launch carbon emissions trading scheme next month

China's delayed carbon trading system will start operating in February, the environment ministry has said, as the world's biggest polluter takes steps towards decarbonising its economy by 2060.

A sustainable path to climate neutrality: How can energy utility operators contribute?

The European Commission tabled the updated 2030 climate target in September, saying a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions was “achievable” and “beneficial” for the EU economy. The European Parliament subsequently voted for a 60% target for greenhouse gas reductions...

Offshore wind power: How to unlock the necessary investments?

The European Commission estimates up to 450 GW of offshore wind power is needed by 2050 for Europe to deliver climate neutrality. Electricity will represent at least 50% of the total energy mix in 2050 and 30% of the future...

The transition to sustainable and smart mobility: How do we get there?

In February 2020, European Commissioner for Transport Valean gave her first insight into the Commission’s reflections on the future of transport and mobility. She welcomed the European Parliament’s choice to put sustainability at the centre of the debate as it...

Implementing the EU Industrial Strategy – how to track Europe’s competitiveness?

In March 2020, the European Commission presented a “new Industrial Strategy” to help Europe’s industry lead the transitions towards climate neutrality and digital leadership. The Strategy aims to drive Europe’s competitiveness and its strategic autonomy, at a time of agitated...

Meeting the 2030 emissions targets: Are we on the right track?

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans to target at least 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.

The 2030 Climate Target Plan: What will it take to reach the target?

In mid-September, the European Commission came forward with a much-awaited update of its emissions reduction target, which sits at the heart of the European executive’s climate action strategy under the European Green Deal. For the ultimate goal of achieving climate...

Financing mechanisms for the energy sector

Climate neutrality translates into commitments undertaken by various industries, communities and other stakeholders. The European energy sector is already committed to be carbon neutral before 2050. However, some countries are already fully decarbonised in terms of power generation, while others...

EU environment ministers strike deal on climate law, leave out 2030 target

European Union environment ministers struck a deal on Friday (23 October) to make the bloc's 2050 net-zero emissions target legally binding, but left a decision on a 2030 emissions-cutting target for leaders to discuss in December.

MEP Canfin: ‘Fighting the climate crisis is the challenge of our generation’

The European Parliament will vote Tuesday (6 October) on the EU’s proposed Climate Law, which seeks to put Europe on track to reduce emissions to net-zero by 2050. “I expect the vote to be very tight,” says lawmaker Pascal Canfin.

China will aim for carbon neutrality by 2060, Xi Jinping says

China has promised to end its contribution to global heating and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, in a huge move for global climate action. EURACTIV's media partner, Climate Home News, reports.

‘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.