About: climate neutrality

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.

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.

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). 

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.