On Wednesday 19 February, the European Environment Agency (EEA) said in its report assessing the objectives set out in the Eighth Environmental Action Programme that the EU was only “partly” on track to achieve its 2030 climate, environment and sustainability objectives.
On the basis of 28 indicators and corresponding targets, such as climate neutrality, reversing the loss of biodiversity or reducing pollution, the majority indicate that the targets for 2030 are “likely off track”.
Four of them even fall into the “off track” category. These include greenhouse gas emissions from land use, land-use change and forestry, doubling the use of recyclable materials, ensuring that 25% of agricultural fields are farmed organically and significantly reducing the EU’s consumption footprint.
Despite steady progress in some key areas, Leena Ylä-Mononen, Executive Director of the EEA, believes that decisive action is needed to put the EU on the right track in others. “This means bolder implementation of existing legislation, additional measures where needed and ensuring there is sufficient financing to deliver our climate, environment and sustainability objectives”, she said.
To see the report, go to https://aeur.eu/f/flc (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)