On the eve of the major global youth march/strike on climate change, the European Parliament gave a breath of fresh air on Thursday 14 March in Strasbourg to the potential strengthening of future European climate action.
He called by a comfortable majority (369 votes in favour, 116 against and 40 abstentions) for the EU to aim for zero net emissions by 2050 and raise its 2030 target to 55% between 2022 and 2024 at the latest, to the great displeasure of the EPP for the latter point (see EUROPE 12213/10).
The non-legislative resolution, adopted in response to the Commission's communication'A Clean Planet for All', largely reflects the wishes of the Committee on the Environment for the long-term strategy to be adopted by the EU in 2020 (see EUROPE 12198/13).
The European Parliament stresses that the future strategy of zero net emissions by 2050 in the most cost-effective way possible implies accelerating the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
According to the Parliament, only the two scenarios aiming at zero net emissions by 2050, out of the eight statements, are to be supported by the Commission. Endorsing this long-term objective, the Parliament urges Member States to do the same, and regrets that no scenario is envisaged to achieve zero net emissions before 2050.
The resolution calls on the Commission and Member States to support an ambitious 2030 target, as the current level is insufficient (a reduction of at least 40% of emissions, or even 45%, if all legislation is implemented). MEPs want the EU to increase its contribution to the Paris Agreement by raising its 2030 target to a 55% reduction in emissions compared to 1990.
They ask the Commission to present legislative proposals between 2022 and 2024 both for the revised EU contribution for 2030 and for the 2050 target.
Parliament expresses its support for climate demonstrations, including climate marches and school strikes, which raise awareness of climate risks. MEPs call on national, regional and local governments, as well as the EU, to take concrete and rapid action to help ensure that global warming does not exceed the 1.5°C limit. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)