Brussels: The European Union is nearly on track to reach its main climate target for this decade, with countries' existing CO2-cutting plans set to bring the bloc within one percentage point of the goal, the European Commission said on Wednesday. The EU is on course to reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions by 54 percent by 2030, compared with 1990 levels, very close to its 55 percent target, the Commission said in an analysis of existing policies in the EU and its member countries.
According to Emirates News Agency, emissions have decreased by 37 percent since 1990, while the economy has grown nearly 70 percent, illustrating that climate action and economic growth can occur together. The EU's Climate Chief Wopke Hoekstra emphasized the importance of building on this momentum.
The report from Brussels also highlighted disparities between member states and identified issues related to protecting forests and carbon storage. The European Commission singled out Belgium, Estonia, and Poland, urging them to submit their energy and climate plans promptly.