Green activists seek to force revision of EU’s ‘inadequate’ climate targets

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Environmental activists are challenging the European Commission’s refusal to consider a more ambitious greenhouse gas emissions reduction target beyond the current 55% by 2030
• This legal move, led by the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) and Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, seeks to align the EU’s climate goals with science-based limits to global warming

🔭 The context: The case follows a European Court of Human Rights ruling that inadequate climate action breaches human rights
• The activists argue that the EU’s current climate targets are insufficient to meet the 1.5°C limit outlined in the Paris Agreement
• The legal challenge was prioritized by the EU's General Court, highlighting the urgency of climate action

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: This lawsuit underscores the growing push for stronger climate action and accountability within the EU, aiming to ensure that the region meets its fair share of global efforts to combat climate change
• A successful challenge could lead to more rigorous emissions cuts, setting a precedent for other regions

⏭️ What's next: The case is expected to move to a public hearing next year after the European Commission submits its written response
• A ruling in favor of the activists could lead to revised EU climate policies, potentially increasing the 2030 emissions reduction target

💬 One quote: “The commission explicitly refused to assess whether greater than 55% reductions were feasible, and we say that this is clearly unlawful,” said Gerry Liston, a senior lawyer with GLAN

📈 One stat: As of 2023, over 2,200 climate-related lawsuits have been filed worldwide, with nearly 25% of these cases taking place in Europe, aiming to enforce stricter science-based emissions targets and climate policies

Click for more news covering the latest on climate change