On Monday 21 October, the members of the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety adopted a resolution with a view to COP29, to be held from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku (Azerbaijan).
The text, approved by 54 votes to 23 with 4 abstentions, includes a set of recommendations to shape the EU’s strategic objectives for COP29. It incorporates contributions from members of the ENVI Committee as well as opinions from the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and the Committee on Development (DEVE).
All the compromise amendments were adopted, with the exception of 23. This point, put forward by the S&D, Renew Europe, Greens/EFA and The Left Groups, concerned access to environmental justice and aimed to strengthen the application of the Aarhus Convention, which allows citizens to challenge decisions that may affect the environment before the courts.
A new financial objective. The resolution is a call to the international community to agree on a new collective post-2025 climate finance target at COP29. According to MEPs, this objective must be socially equitable and based on the “polluter pays” principle.
It must also draw on a variety of funding sources, including public, private and innovative sources.
The major emitters, particularly the G20 countries, should therefore shoulder their responsibilities by making a significant financial contribution to global efforts to support developing countries that are suffering the worst effects of climate change.
MEPs are also calling for the EU to put in place a predictable finance mechanism to meet its international commitments. They point out that the EU is the world’s leading provider of public climate finance, having mobilised €28.5 billion in 2022.
Eliminate fossil fuels and subsidies. MEPs want to send a strong signal at COP29 by extending the commitment made at COP28 to a transition to a fossil-free economy.
The elected representatives also encourage all countries to eliminate direct and indirect subsidies for fossil fuels as soon as possible.
Global carbon pricing. MEPs are calling on the European Commission to encourage other countries to introduce or strengthen these mechanisms, taking the example of the EU Emissions Trading System and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.
At present, only 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions are covered by these mechanisms, which is well below what is needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
Tackling pollution. The text also recommends stepping up global efforts to reduce pollution in all its forms, from water pollution to chemicals and plastics. Urgent action is also needed to limit methane emissions, particularly from international shipping, aviation and agriculture.
The resolution will be put to a vote by the whole Parliament at the plenary session on 13 and 14 November. A parliamentary delegation will visit Baku from 18 to 22 November.
The draft resolution: https://aeur.eu/f/dzh
Compromise amendments: https://aeur.eu/f/dzg (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)