· 3 min read
illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The EU's decision on its 2040 climate target has been postponed, with environment ministers no longer expected to vote at their meeting on 18 September, according to EU diplomats
• Member states have requested more time to assess the European Commission’s proposed 90% emissions cut by 2040 (compared to 1990 levels), citing concerns about timing, competitiveness, and geopolitical conditions
• The issue will now be elevated to EU heads of state at an October summit
🔭 The context: The 2040 target is a key milestone under the EU Climate Law, which mandates a clear pathway to net-zero emissions by 2050. It builds on the current 2030 goal of at least a 55% reduction
• However, countries such as Slovakia and Hungary have expressed strong opposition, arguing the proposal could cripple heavy industries
• France has pushed for the decision to be made at the highest political level, not by environment ministers
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Delays in adopting the 2040 target risk undermining EU credibility ahead of COP30 in Brazil, where national climate action plans are due
• The inclusion of international carbon credits and CO₂ storage outside the EU has drawn sharp criticism from climate groups, who warn it could weaken domestic climate ambition, shift costs abroad, and reduce the environmental integrity of EU efforts
• A clear, ambitious 2040 target is crucial for aligning European policy with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C pathway
⏭️ What's next: A decisive debate is expected in October, with no guarantee of agreement
• Key areas of contention include the use of carbon credits, the balance between emissions targets and industrial competitiveness, and how the 2040 target fits into the EU Emissions Trading System
• Failure to reach consensus could delay climate planning across EU member states and weaken the bloc’s stance at upcoming global negotiations.
💬 One quote: "Diluting the EU climate target with carbon credits will only mean spending billions on pollution rights abroad instead of delivering real climate action here in Europe." – Lena Schilling, Green/EFA MEP
📈 One stat: The Commission’s proposed 90% emissions cut by 2040 would require unprecedented decarbonisation across sectors—surpassing the already ambitious 55% reduction goal by 2030
Explore carbon credit purchases, total emissions, and climate targets of thousands of companies on Data Hub™ — the first platform designed to help sustainability providers generate sales leads!
Click for more news covering the latest on net zero and public governance
