About: net zero
EU countries clinch new mandate for talks on climate law, raising hopes of a deal
EU member states have adopted a revised mandate for negotiating the European climate law, including a new stance on the 2030 target that retains the net 55% reduction objective but limits the role of carbon sinks, according to documents seen by EURACTIV.
Little progress made in fifth round of negotiations on EU climate law
Little progress was made in the fifth round of negotiations on the European Climate Law last Friday (26 March), despite growing time pressure to have the bill agreed by mid-April, according to people involved in the talks, which are being held behind closed doors.
ETS revision will include buildings and road transport, EU Commissioner says
The European Commission's upcoming June package of energy and climate laws will “propose the extension of the emission trading scheme to sectors such as building and road transport,” the EU's energy commissioner Kadri Simson said on Thursday (25 March).
This decade should be ‘Roaring Twenties of climate action’, von der Leyen says
Europe has the opportunity to lead the global shift towards net-zero emissions and reap the rewards of the green transformation, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at an event on Wednesday (24 March).
Climate pledges for 2030 put world far off 1.5C goal, UN warns
Updated plans to reduce emissions, submitted so far by about 75 nations ahead of November's COP26 summit, barely make a dent in the huge cuts needed to meet global climate goals, the UN climate chief said on Friday (26 February), calling for redoubled efforts.
Deliveries are up, e-van sales are not – that’s a disaster for pollution
The sale of electric vans has been sluggish despite a boom in home deliveries, spurred by pandemic-driven online shopping. The lack of clean vans on European roads will harm our chances to reach emissions targets, writes James Nix.
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.
EU climate neutrality by 2050 is not Paris-compatible
The EU's aim for net zero by 2050 is insufficient to meet the Paris Agreement and limit warming to 1.5°C. To avoid climate catastrophe, Europe needs to rethink auctions for renewable energy and reintroducing support for small scale supply, argue Hans-Josef Fell and Dr Thure Traber.
China launches carbon emissions trading scheme
China launched a carbon trading system designed to drive down greenhouse gas emissions on Monday (1 February), as the world's biggest polluter takes steps towards decarbonising its economy by 2060.
Shell pulls out of joint venture to build UK sustainable jet fuels plant
Shell has pulled out of a joint venture with British Airways and Velocys to build a flagship sustainable jet fuels plant in the UK – in a blow to Boris Johnson’s claims that Britain could deliver the world’s first zero-emission long-haul flight, reports EURACTIV's media partner, The Guardian Environment.
‘Gas is over’, EU bank chief says
We need to face the reality that the future is no longer in fossil fuels and need to show credibility on that, said President of the European Investment Bank, Dr Werner Hoyer on Wednesday (20 January).
Competition or cooperation? EU, US enter new era of climate diplomacy
As Joe Biden takes the reins of a tumultuous America, analysts have tempered expectations about the ability of the new US administration to closely align with Europe on climate change.
Shift to renewables ‘significantly decreased’ emissions, EU agency says
Europe's shift from fossil fuel-based electricity to renewable sources has cut down on greenhouse gas emissions while tackling environmental problems, the European Environment Agency (EEA) said on Monday (18 January).
Global heating could stabilise if net zero emissions achieved, scientists say
Climate disaster could be curtailed within a couple of decades if net zero emissions are reached, new study shows. EURACTIV's media partner, The Guardian, reports.
Global emissions fell by 7% in 2020 due to COVID lockdowns, says UN report
Reduced travel, industrial activity and electricity generation during COVID-19 has meant global emissions fell by up to 7% in 2020, but the impact of COVID-19 will be negligible without a green recovery, according to the United Nations.
‘Net zero’ climate targets? Read the fine print
The worldwide effort to prevent Earth from becoming an unlivable hothouse is in the grips of "net zero" fever.
Poland can contribute to the EU’s 55% target while solving its key problems
Poland is lagging behind cutting greenhouse gas emissions, but diversifying its energy mix, making heating clean and increasing traffic electrification could improve emission reductions and transform the economy for the future, writes Aleksandra Gawlikowska-Fyk.
Warsaw says ‘further analysis needed’ before EU’s 2030 climate target can be agreed
Further analysis into the impact of tougher climate goals on EU member states is needed before Poland can sign up to the European Commission’s proposed 55% greenhouse gas reduction target for 2030, a senior Polish minister has said.
G20 countries projected to miss 1.5°C Paris target by wide margin: report
No G20 country is on track to meet the 1.5°C warming target, set out in the Paris Agreement, according to the Climate Transparency report published on Wednesday (18 November).
Green recovery led by industry or government – America’s choice between two futures
With the American presidential election next week, the climate policy of Joe Biden and lack of policy from Donald Trump has come into the spotlight: America will have to adapt to green technologies to keep up with the world and the question is whether its administration will dig its heels in or not.
Japan matches EU climate pledge with net-zero carbon goal for 2050
Japan will join the EU in aiming for net zero emissions by 2050, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced on Monday (26 October).
IEA outlines global path to net-zero emissions by 2050
For the first time, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has set out what would need to happen this decade to reach net zero emissions globally by 2050. EURACTIV's media partner, Climate Home News, reports.
Polish oil firm signs up to 2050 climate neutrality goal
PKN Orlen, Poland's largest oil refiner and retailer, this week became the first oil company in central Europe to commit to climate neutrality by 2050, with plans to invest billions in energy efficiency, solar, wind, and hydrogen.