A report published on 23 October by WWF Europe argues that certain EU policies are hampering the fight against climate change. Based on analyses by the European Federation for Transport and Environment, the E3G think tank and the Ecologic Institute in Berlin, the document points to inconsistencies in current strategies, despite progress in reducing emissions.
Among the points of criticism are the Renewable Energy Directive’s policies on bioenergy, which favour the burning of trees and crops for energy, and are likely to accelerate climate change.
The Common Agricultural Policy is also being called into question, particularly practices that encourage livestock production and prevent the restoration of land for carbon sequestration. In addition, the Energy Taxation Directive, which currently imposes no effective tax on aviation paraffin, is disapproved of. And with good reason: the inclusion of fossil gas and nuclear power in the taxonomy of sustainable finance would encourage investment in these sectors.
Furthermore, the free allocation of emission allowances under the ETS is seen as a violation of the ‘polluter pays’ principle.
The report in fact calls for urgent reform of these policies to align EU actions with climate objectives, stressing the need for rapid action in all sectors.
The report: https://aeur.eu/f/9d1 (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)