EU heavyweights urge ‘ambitious’ 2040 climate targets — breaking silence

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🗞️ Driving the news: Eleven European countries, including Germany and France, are urging the European Commission to set an ambitious climate target for 2040
• This request comes as the Commission prepares its 2040 climate roadmap, expected to propose significant carbon emission reductions. The plea breaks recent silence among EU nations regarding climate goals.

🔭 The context: Spearheaded by Denmark and supported by countries like Austria, Finland, and Spain, the letter to the Commission encourages setting a target aligned with the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change's recommendation of a 90-95% emissions cut from 1990 levels by 2040
• This push comes amid growing protests in Europe against climate policies, suggesting a complex political landscape.

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The target aligns with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and the EU's commitment to climate neutrality by mid-century
• Setting such an ambitious target could significantly impact global climate action and demonstrate the EU's leadership in this arena.

⏭️ What's next: The European Commission's response, due on February 6, will reveal whether it endorses the 90% emissions reduction target. This decision comes ahead of the EU elections and amidst rising right-wing opposition to EU green policies, indicating potential political tensions

💬 One quote: “We can only persuade others to step up if we get the job done at home,” the letter states, emphasizing the EU's role in global climate leadership

📈 One stat: The EU's science advisory body recently reported that the EU is on track to miss its 2030 and 2050 climate targets without significant changes.

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