Against the backdrop of the unsuccessful attempts by the global community to secure an agreement at the recently concluded COP 25, the European Union (EU) introduced a climate action plan called the European Green Deal.
The European Union holds the position of being the third-largest contributor of greenhouse gases globally, following China and the United States.
DECISIONS UNDER THIS DEAL
Attaining Climate Neutrality
- In the pursuit of achieving climate neutrality by the year 2050, the European Union (EU) is poised to enact a binding law applicable to all member countries.
- This legislation aims to transform political commitments into legal obligations, thereby stimulating necessary investments.
- The EU stands as the first major emitter globally to endorse the 2050 climate neutrality target outlined in the Paris Agreement.
- Climate neutrality is realized when a country’s emissions are offset by the absorption and removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, essentially resulting in a state of net-zero emissions.
- The augmentation of absorption can be facilitated by establishing additional carbon sinks, such as forests, while removal involves the utilization of technologies like carbon capture and storage.
Elevating 2030 Emission Reduction Targets
- The EU is actively working to enhance its emission reduction targets for 2030, aiming for a minimum reduction of 50%, with aspirations to progress towards a 55% reduction shortly.
- Previously, the EU had committed to a 40% reduction in emissions by 2030 from 1990 levels under the Paris Agreement, marking one of the most ambitious targets among developed countries.
- By contrast, the United States, which initially pledged to reduce emissions by 26-28% by 2030 from 2005 levels, is no longer bound by such obligations after withdrawing from the Paris Agreement.
- Notably, the EU retains the 1990 baseline for emission cuts, a standard originally mandated under the Kyoto Protocol for all developed nations.
- In contrast, many other countries have shifted their baselines to 2005 or later under the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Sectoral Plans
- The EU’s strategy includes sectoral plans designed to achieve these ambitious targets.
- Specific initiatives involve rendering the steel industry carbon-free by 2030, implementing new strategies for the transport and energy sectors, revising the management of railways and shipping for improved efficiency, and enforcing more stringent air pollution emission standards for vehicles.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- The European Union (EU) has outperformed other developed nations in the realm of emissions reduction, positioning itself favorably to attain the goal of a 20% reduction by 2020, a distinction not shared by any developed country outside the EU.
- In contrast, Canada has reported a 4% reduction from 2005 levels, while Japan has reported an 8% reduction from the 2013 baseline.
APPREHENSIONS
- The European Union (EU) has raised concerns due to its partial fulfillment of climate obligations, as outlined by the Kyoto Protocol.
- The protocol mandates affluent and developed nations to provide financial aid and technology to developing countries for their climate change mitigation efforts.
- The EU’s contribution in this regard has been notably limited, especially concerning the adaptation needs of developing nations.
- This limitation forms the core of the grievances voiced by developing countries such as India and China, highlighting the issue of unmet obligations by developed nations.
- The inadequacy of the Green Deal in achieving emission reductions is underscored by the fact that significant emitters, including large developing nations like China and India, are not promptly escalating their climate actions.
- The withdrawal of the USA from climate change mitigation efforts has further compounded the challenges faced in this regard.
WAY AHEAD
- The global community must collectively elevate its aspirations, enhancing both reduction targets and policies to align with international environmental agreements.
- The commitment of nations should mirror the goals set in global accords related to environmental conservation.
- The European Union (EU) should adopt a more supportive stance towards developing nations, ensuring that its initiatives are not futile and that every country plays an equitable role in preserving the planet.
- Collaborative efforts that involve meaningful contributions from all nations are essential for effective climate action and sustainable environmental conservation.
FAQs – European Green New Deal
1. What led to the introduction of the European Green Deal?
A: The European Green Deal emerged in response to the lack of consensus at COP 25, where global efforts to secure a climate agreement faced challenges. The European Union aimed to take decisive action to address climate change through this comprehensive plan.
2. How significant is the European Union’s role in greenhouse gas emissions?
A: The European Union stands as the third-largest global emitter of greenhouse gases, following China and the United States.
3. What key decisions are outlined in the European Green Deal?
- a. Attaining Climate Neutrality:
- The EU is committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 through a binding law applicable to all member countries. This legal framework aims to transform political commitments into legal obligations, stimulating the necessary investments.
- b. Elevating 2030 Emission Reduction Targets:
- The EU is actively working to enhance its emission reduction targets for 2030, aiming for a minimum reduction of 50%, with aspirations to progress towards a 55% reduction in the near future.
- c. Sectoral Plans:
- Specific sectoral plans include rendering the steel industry carbon-free, new strategies for the transport and energy sectors, efficient management of railways and shipping, and enforcing stringent air pollution emission standards for vehicles.
4. What achievements has the European Union made in emissions reduction?
A: The EU has outperformed other developed nations in reducing emissions and is on track to achieve the goal of a 20% reduction by 2020, a distinction not shared by any developed country outside the EU.
5. What concerns have been raised regarding the European Green Deal?
A: Concerns revolve around the EU’s partial fulfillment of climate obligations outlined by the Kyoto Protocol. The EU’s limited contributions, particularly in supporting the adaptation needs of developing nations, have raised apprehensions.
6. How does the European Green Deal address concerns about large emitters like China and India?
A: The Green Deal is considered inadequate in achieving emission reductions, primarily due to challenges in immediate scaling up of climate actions by significant emitters like China and India. The withdrawal of the USA from climate change mitigation efforts has also added to the challenges.
7. What is the way forward in light of these concerns?
A: The global community needs to raise its ambitions and align reduction targets and policies with global environmental agreements. The EU should adopt a more supportive stance towards developing nations, ensuring equitable contributions from all countries for effective climate action and sustainable environmental conservation.
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