Brussels to propose ‘pragmatic’ 90 percent climate target for 2040

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🗞️ Driving the news: The European Commission is set to propose a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, compared to 1990 levels, according to EU climate chief Teresa Ribera
• While affirming the target, she revealed the plan will include "flexibilities" such as international carbon credits to accommodate political concerns
• Ribera cautioned against diluting the ambition too far, stressing the need to maintain credible domestic climate action

🔭 The context: The 90% target aligns with advice from the EU’s scientific advisory board, but political pushback from member states and EU lawmakers led to a delay in the Commission’s proposal, originally expected in March
• The bloc’s current climate goals — 55% emissions reduction by 2030 and net-zero by 2050 — require all cuts to be made within the EU, but proposed "flexibilities" would shift part of the effort abroad

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: This proposal will shape the EU’s climate credibility ahead of the global stocktake under the Paris Agreement
• While international credits can support finance for developing nations, over-reliance could undermine domestic decarbonization and leadership
• The move also comes amid global retrenchment on climate ambition, notably in the U.S., raising concerns about weakened momentum in global climate governance

⏭️ What's next: The Commission aims to unveil the 2040 target around June 4
• Clarity is also expected on the EU’s 2035 milestone, which must be submitted to the UN by September
• Internal negotiations will continue over how flexibilities are framed, with Ribera urging unity and pragmatism without compromising ambition
• The release of EU progress toward its 2030 target — now nearly at 54% — is expected to bolster confidence

💬 One quote: “We are sticking to 90 percent,” — Teresa Ribera. “The question is how we can figure out the 90 percent — how we can craft, how we can build action toward these 90 percent?”

📈 One stat: The EU is currently on track for a 54% emissions reduction by 2030, just shy of its 55% target

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