Text authorizes 5% of the cut to come from projects outside the block, in addition to postponing transport and heating standards
EU countries and legislators reached a definitive agreement this Wednesday (10) on an ambitious target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, which allows the use of carbon credits purchased outside the continent to help achieve the goal. Several countries, led by , had expressed concern about the 27-nation bloc’s target of reducing emissions by 90% compared to 1990 levels by 2040.
The final agreement allows 5% of reductions to be accounted for through carbon credits purchased for projects outside Europe. Activist groups have accused the EU of moving the campaign against climate change abroad.
In the future, the EU could, if necessary, allow Member States to offset another 5% of their targets through credits from international carbon markets.
Under pressure from Poland and Hungary, the agreement also postpones an emissions trading system for road transport and building heating by one year, until 2028.
Second only to , and in terms of emissions, the EU has been the most committed among the biggest polluters to climate action and has already reduced its emissions by 37% compared to 1990 levels.
The agreement still needs to be formally approved by the 27 EU member states and the European Parliament.
*With information from AFP
Published by Nícolas Robert
