The European Union (EU) is intensifying efforts to push major polluters, including China, India, and the US, for more significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. This comes as Sweden sets an inspiring example, being the first member state to fully eliminate fossil fuels in electricity production, utilizing a mix of nuclear and renewables. However, Poland remains a challenge, heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which still account for 75% of its energy production.
EU’s share of global greenhouse gas emissions dropped from 16.8% in 1990 to 7.3% in 2021, with reduced reliance on coal. In contrast, China and India have seen emissions rise with growing energy demands.
The EU faces challenges in setting a concrete 2040 emission reduction target, leading to geopolitical tensions and concerns about extreme weather events.
To limit global temperature rises as per the Paris Agreement, worldwide emissions must decline by 43% by 2030. However, current projections indicate a potential increase of 2.4°C to 2.6°C by 2100, as per the UN Environment Programme.
The EU aims to achieve a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. However, the bloc remains divided over setting a more ambitious 2040 target, ranging up to 95%.
Political feasibility of expediting the pace of change remains a concern, especially with EU-wide elections approaching. Lawmakers fear resistance to green transition could grow, as EU industries face competition from US counterparts and China’s dominant position in green technology supply chains.
The European Commission warns that without a high target, the EU’s domestic climate objectives for 2050 may be at risk, impacting international climate action.
