Climate Change

Abstract

The European Union has long been a global leader in the fight against climate change, and is committed to becoming the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. In April 2021,1 the Council of the European Union and European Parliament reached a provisional political agreement that will set into law the objective of a climate-neutral EU by 2050, and a collective, net greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of at least 55% by 2030 compared with 1990. To meet these targets, the European Commission will present a series of legislative proposals in July 2021. This ‘Fit for 55’ package marks the first step towards delivering the necessary changes across economic sectors. Climate-neutrality is at the heart of the European Green Deal,2an ambitious growth strategy, which will bring down European greenhouse gas emissions while fostering a fair, healthy and prosperous society for future generations. Long-term benefits include: new, green jobs; improved competitiveness; economic growth; cleaner air and more efficient public transport systems in cities; new technologies such as electric or plug-in hybrid cars, energy-efficient homes or buildings with intelligent heating and cooling systems; and secure supplies of energy and other resources – making Europe less dependent on imports.