More action needed to achieve EU climate goals

_{EU emission reduction needs to accelerate in order to meet net zero targets} 

A new report involving SRUC has recommended a series of actions to put the European Union on track towards climate neutrality.

The report - Towards EU climate neutrality: progress, policy gaps and opportunities - by the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change, found that more efforts are needed across all sectors to achieve the EU climate objectives from 2030 to 2050 - particularly in buildings, transport, agriculture and forestry.

Based on an assessment of more than 80 indicators, some of the recommendations require immediate action and others need to be considered when shaping the EU's post-2030 climate policy framework.

These include the need for national governments to enhance and implement their energy and climate plans to secure EU emission reductions of 55 per cent or more by 2030 compared to 1990, and for policy makers to put forward clear plans and timelines to phase out harmful fossil fuel subsidies.

To address emissions from agriculture and forestry, the Advisory Board also recommends better aligning the EU’s common agricultural policy with its climate ambitions, including by shifting support away from emission-intensive agricultural practices towards lower-emitting products and activities.

Vera Eory, a Reader at SRUC and member of the Advisory Board, said: “The EU is making progress towards net zero by 2050. However, just like in the UK, emission reduction needs to accelerate, especially in areas where little has been achieved yet.

“This includes agriculture and land use, where farmers and landowners need to be supported more in their mitigation efforts, while production and consumption need to shift away from emission-intensive agricultural products, such as livestock.”

The Advisory Board will deliver a presentation of the report and answer questions at a public webinar on 22 January from 2:30-4pm.

Posted by SRUC on 18/01/2024