About: net zero
The forgotten innovation agenda of the ETS
Climate innovation is crucial in de-risking the effort to decarbonise the economy, and European policymakers need to make this part of ETS reform, argue Andris Piebalgs and Alessia Virone.
Comparing the EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ roadmap and the IEA’s net-zero scenario
While the International Energy Agency (IEA) advocates an aggressive implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms across the globe, it focuses less on affordability and social implications than the European Commission's 'Fit for 55' climate roadmap, writes Ivan Pavlovic.Promoted content
The dream of net zero needs gas
We have made a great stride forward in reducing emissions with so-called coal-to-gas switch, says Mario Mehren, CEO of Wintershall Dea. But the numbers also show that we still need natural gas to spark the next stage of the energy transition.
Healthcare must drastically reduce emissions to help prevent new health crises
Climate change is the biggest health threat of the 21st century and healthcare systems need to dramatically reduce their emissions in order to help prevent this from worsening, writes Jacqueline Cramer.
Green homes: Resource sufficiency is key to achieving climate neutrality
Europe must go beyond energy efficiency and recognise the need for resource sufficiency in the real estate and housing sectors. The time is ripe for a holistic policy framework that serves people and the planet, writes Gonzalo Sanchez.
The EU needs to make its upcoming climate and energy legislative package ‘Fit for 1.5°C’
A post-covid Europe must make far more effort when it comes to tackling climate change. Even with its recently enhanced target of at least 55% emissions reduction by 2030, the EU still fails to keep us safe from a climate catastrophe, argues Wendel Trio.
Why a carbon tax is the most effective price signal for the building sector
A carbon tax on the fuel used to heat Europe's buildings is the most effective price signal to decarbonise Europe's building stock, which is in desperate need of renovation to meet the EU's climate ambition, writes Oliver Rapf.
EU leaders are prioritising climate heroism over ambitious policies
EU leaders are focused on the spectacle of arriving at the US climate summit on Thursday (22 April) with an agreement on the EU climate law and 2030 target, but risk sacrificing the quality of the legislation, argue Adélaïde Charlier and Chloé Mikolajczak.
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 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.
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.
Transition to net-zero will help prevent disruption becoming the new normal
Alongside the transition to a climate neutral economy, Europe faces other transformative forces – or megatrends – that could drastically affect the economy and labour markets if not managed properly, writes Eliot Whittington.
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.
A net-zero emissions future to guide Europe through turbulent economic times
Climate action can be the polestar guiding EU leaders through turbulent economic waters, writes Pascal Lamy, calling on politicians to put climate policy at the heart of a coherent industrial strategy.
Time for a new deal for our planet, our communities and our future
The transition to net-zero emissions by 2050 is a massive challenge, but also a huge opportunity – a chance to design a socially inclusive, clean future, argue Sharan Burrow, Paul Polman and Laurence Tubiana.
Decision time for the EU’s 2050 climate strategy
European leaders gathering today for an EU summit in Brussels will try to persuade Poland, Czechia and Hungary to rally the bloc's proposed carbon neutrality goal for 2050. Brook Riley explains why this is both a moment of drama and anticlimax.
Time is ripe to align EU policies with Paris Climate Agreement
It’s the new Commission’s first weeks in office and climate is in the spotlight, with a European Green Deal expected to be tabled on 11 December. To succeed, the deal needs to enshrine increased climate ambition for the next decade, align the EU budget accordingly and boost EU support to developing countries, writes Wendel Trio.
Time to give the transport sector the predictability it needs to thrive in a zero emission economy
Despite its clear potential for clean transportation, electro-mobility still does not seem to be the motor driving Europe’s economic, climate, and industrial policy, writes Folker Franz.
Natural gas: Part of the problem or the solution?
When the G20 Energy Ministers meet in Japan, they will stick to the old mantra that gas is a bridge fuel and is needed for the energy transition. This is not good news for the climate, writes Luca Bergamaschi.
Four policies to shift the needle to net-zero emissions
In order to achieve the EU's goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, bolder strategies are needed to drive sufficient change, writes Måns Nilsson.
Climate change is a key priority for Sibiu summit on Future of Europe
Investors are clear, as global leaders in addressing climate change, it is vital for the EU to send strong, long-term signals about how it will fulfil – and indeed, step up – its commitment to meeting the goals of the...
Carbon neutrality by 2050 makes sense
To stay within the boundaries of the Paris Agreement, Europe needs to accelerate efforts to achieve a carbon neutral future and put climate change at the top of the EU agenda. Frank van der Vloed highlights five key steps that are critical for businesses to make the transition.