The EU is considering setting more flexible climate targets

A draft document from the European Union shows that EU countries are discussing proposals to provide more flexible pathways for various industries to achieve climate goals, in an effort to win the support of governments for the new 2040 emission reduction targets.

Reuters reported that the European Union is negotiating a legally binding emission reduction target to cut net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040 and is striving to approve this target before global leaders gather at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) on November 6 this year.

However, after months of negotiations, the countries still failed to reach an agreement, as some EU governments postponed green measures and expressed concerns about how to fund the low-carbon transition while prioritizing defense and industrial revitalization.

A draft of the EU compromise seen by Reuters shows that countries have drafted plans allowing the EU to review its 2040 targets every two years, which could enable Brussels to allow for the weakening of emission reduction targets in the future.

The draft will also clearly stipulate in the law a commitment that if the carbon dioxide emissions absorbed by forests are lower than expected or the development of technologies to eliminate carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is slower than planned, other industries will not be forced to accelerate emission reduction to achieve the 2040 target.

Eu countries will hold consultations on the proposal next week. After that, climate ministers of each country will attempt to pass new emission reduction targets on November 4.

The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference will be held in Belem, Brazil from November 10th to 21st.