The day after the Environment Council meeting on Thursday 18 September (see EUROPE 13712/2), several NGOs and think tanks issued press releases stating that the statement of intent adopted by ministers on the 2035 climate target remains insufficient in the absence of an agreement on a 2040 target and on the nationally determined contribution (NDC).
According to the NGO coalition Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, the delay is “undermining the EU’s international credibility” as COP30 – to be held in Belém, Brazil, in November – approaches.
“The time pressure should not lead to a lower ambition for the actual 2035 reduction target”, said the Network’s Head of Climate, Sven Harmeling.
The WWF has pointed to the risks associated with greater use of international carbon credits. “Some Member States would rather spend taxpayers’ money paying third countries to cut emissions than invest in their own economy”, said Climate Policy Officer, Michael Sicaud-Clyet.
Some think tanks have shared similar concerns.
Linda Kalcher, Executive Director of Strategic Perspectives, which specialises in European and international climate and energy policy, said it was “embarrassing” that the EU was missing another UN deadline, and urged the rapid adoption of a 2040 target and a complete NDC for 2035.
Similarly, Elisa Giannelli, Programme Lead at the Brussels office of the think-tank Third Generation Environmentalism (E3G), said that the heads of state should “signal the necessary support for a 2040 climate target” at the October European Council, so that it can be adopted in time for COP30. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)