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The European Commission on February 6 proposed a goal for the European Union to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, as part of efforts to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
The target, if approved, would require sweeping changes across the economy including a rapid scaling up of renewable energy, phasing out coal power, reducing gas consumption, and transforming sectors like transport, buildings and agriculture.
"We have lived through the hottest year on record. The case for climate action is clear," Climate Commissioner Frans Timmermans told a news conference.
The proposal will face negotiations between EU countries and the European Parliament. It comes as Europe grapples with high energy prices, tensions with Russia and rising populism that could undermine political support for ambitious climate policies.
The EU is currently targeting a 55% cut in emissions from 1990 levels by 2030. Achieving the 2040 goal would require a massive policy effort over the next two decades including huge investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Sectors like transport, industry and agriculture would need to rapidly transition away from fossil fuels. Buildings would need to be retrofitted and new technologies like carbon capture and storage would need to be deployed on a large scale.
The commission's plan will face political headwinds as countries grapple with high inflation and energy supply issues linked to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Farmers' protests in several countries have also highlighted tensions over green policies.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen withdrew a proposed law to halve pesticide use by 2030 following an outcry from farmers. Environmentalists said the move undermined the EU's broader climate goals.
(Writing by Alex Guo Editing by Riley Liang)
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