The European Union stands at a decisive crossroads, according to the Chair of the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change (ESABCC), Professor Ottmar Edenhofer, as he presented the 2024 assessment report on the European Union’s progress towards its goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 to the European Parliament’s Environment Committee on Wednesday 14 February.
Mr Edenhofer stressed the need for the EU to move from legislation to practical application, noting a “large gap” between the target set for 2030 of a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and current achievements.
He identified four areas where the EU needs to improve: policies, ambition, delivery and consistency. The ESABCC report analyses these weaknesses in key sectors such as industry, transport, agriculture and construction, highlighting elements such as emissions pricing, reduction incentives, a just transition, public engagement and strengthening innovation and governance capacities.
To meet the immediate challenges, Mr Edenhofer urged rigorous implementation of the Fit for 55 legislative package by the Member States, an ambitious revision of the Energy Taxation Directive, and increased investment in renewable energy. He also highlighted the importance of CO2 capture and storage technologies (carbon capture and storage [CCS] and carbon capture and utilisation [CCU]) (see EUROPE 13344/2) and the urgent need to abolish fossil fuel subsidies.
He also called for increased funding to ensure a successful transition. The report stresses the need for a fair and just transition, protecting in particular the most vulnerable households.
Professor Edenhofer also pointed out that greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture had not decreased since 2005, “even though 50% of the European Union’s climate budget is directed towards this sector through the Common Agricultural Policy”.
The importance of a “just transition” and current technological challenges were the focus of the discussions between MEPs and the Chair of the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change.
Peter Liese (EPP, German) asked the ESABCC Chair about concrete ways of supporting those “who do not have the financial means” for the ecological transition. He also asked for further details on bioenergy and direct air capture, stressing the importance of not overlooking the social aspects of these initiatives.
Tiemo Wölken (S&D, German) expressed concern about the social equity problems associated with taxes on fossil fuels and the high price of CO2. He stressed the importance of coordination between national and European measures, and asked about the impact of climate policies on the agricultural sector.
Erik Poulsen (Renew Europe, Danish) acknowledged that carbon capture, storage and utilisation could play a major role in achieving climate neutrality, but stressed that these technologies are “not yet really mature”. Pär Holmgren (Greens/EFA, Swedish) focused on strategies for increasing carbon sinks, particularly in the agri-food sector. He asked about the integration of mitigation and adaptation aspects into sustainable forest management.
Silvia Modig (The Left, Finnish) asked about CO2 capture techniques and their financial viability, as well as strategies to avoid ‘carbon lock-in’, i.e. dependence on fossil fuels and imbalances in the agricultural and forestry sectors.
Mr Edenhofer responded by stressing the importance of compensation for low-income households in the face of high carbon prices. He also stressed the need to develop technologies such as CCS and direct air capture as part of a “comprehensive carbon pricing regime”. With regard to agriculture, he promised a detailed report, recognising the importance of this sector.
See the ESABCC report: https://aeur.eu/f/aup (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)