EU pledges 90 percent cut to carbon emissions by 2040

European Union Sets Ambitious but Compromised Climate Goal of 90% Emissions Cut by 2040

In a significant step towards achieving climate neutrality, the European Union has agreed to slash greenhouse gas emissions by an astonishing 90%, compared to 1990 levels. This provisionally agreed target falls short of the original recommendation made by the EU's climate science advisors but surpasses that of other major economies like China.

The landmark deal, which has been months in the making, was a delicate balancing act between countries pushing for deeper cuts and others arguing that such drastic measures would be too burdensome on industries already struggling with high energy costs. The compromise aimed to strike a balance between taking decisive action on climate change and safeguarding competitiveness and security.

To achieve this ambitious goal, European industries will need to reduce their emissions by 85% and sell carbon credits to developing nations to make up the remaining 15%. In an effort to mitigate the impact of this policy shift, the EU has also agreed to use additional international carbon credits (up to five percent) to soften the blow on industry and delay a proposed carbon tax for fuel by a year.

While the reduced target still makes Europe more committed than most other major polluters – it has already cut emissions by 37% since 1990, in contrast to the US's paltry 7% reduction over the same period – it is worth noting that the EU's climate ambitions remain significant. The European Union's long-term goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 remains unchanged.

However, this deal must still be ratified by the EU parliament and individual countries before becoming law. Despite its pre-agreed status, there may be some opposition to this compromise within the bloc. Nevertheless, the EU's commitment to tackling climate change marks a significant step forward in global efforts to address this pressing issue.

I'm not sure if 90% is really achievable tho . I mean, China didn't quite make it with their target of 60-65%, and now we're at 90%. I know the EU wants to be a leader on climate change, but they need to think about what's realistic here. We've already had some major progress since 1990 - like I said, they've cut emissions by 37% - so why not aim higher? And what's with the carbon credits and international credits thingy? It just seems like a fancy way of saying "we're not going to make drastic changes".

omg just heard about the EU's new climate goal 90% emission cut by 2040 is still better than nothing but I'm a bit surprised it fell short of original recs didn't think the EU would be so chill on industry costs guess politics got in the way still, they're taking steps towards climate neutrality 2050 goal is still on let's keep pushing for more ambitious targets

omg u guys 90% emissions cut by 2040 is kinda awesome but like seriously, its so meh compared to what china did at least EU countries r tryna make up 4 it by sellin carbon credits 2 developing nations tho that's a good move anyway im still hyped bout EU's climate goals 2050 climate neutrality is da way 2 go

So I'm thinking... 90% emissions cut by 2040? It's like, a big deal and all, but I feel like it could've been even better if they didn't have to compromise so much. Still, I guess it's progress, right? The EU is ahead of other major economies like China in terms of commitment to climate action. But at the same time, I'm not sure about all these additional measures to make up for the reduced target... like selling carbon credits to developing nations? It just seems like more complexity and bureaucratic red tape. Can't they just stick to what's necessary to achieve the goal?

But hey, it's good to see that the EU is taking climate change seriously. They're making a conscious effort to balance action with competitiveness and security concerns. That's a delicate tightrope to walk, for sure! And let's be real, 37% emissions cut since 1990? That's still pretty impressive. I just wish they'd aim higher.

I mean, 90% emissions cut is pretty ambitious, but I'm not sure if it's enough. I remember when they first proposed 95% target and it was all over social media . Now that it's been watered down to 85%, I feel like progress has slowed down a bit. Not to mention the carbon credits thing, selling them to developing nations, feels kinda dirty . And what about the industries already struggling with energy costs? This might just push them further under. Can't we aim higher than this

I'm like totally stoked about the EU finally making a move on their emissions, 90% is bloody impressive ! It's insane how much of a difference they're gonna make, especially considering China didn't even come close to that with their original recommendation. The way they've compromised and found this balance between industry and climate change is so cool . I mean, the fact that industries will still have to cut emissions by 85% is no joke, but it's a start! And I love how they're selling carbon credits to developing nations - like, finally, the EU is stepping up! Now we just gotta keep the momentum going and hope this deal gets ratified without too much drama . Still, 90% is bloody amazing and I'm so hyped for what the future holds

I'm not entirely sure about the 90% target but I guess it's better than nothing . I mean, 37% reduction since 1990 is still decent, right? But at the same time, it feels like we're just delaying the inevitable – climate change is a real issue and we need to be taking bigger steps forward . The idea of selling carbon credits to developing nations seems kinda sketchy, though – isn't that just gonna create more inequality? On the other hand, I do think it's good that they're trying to balance competitiveness with environmental concerns. It's not like we have a choice anymore anyway – climate change is going to happen either way . So, yeah, 90% sounds about right... maybe

Ugh, 90% emissions cut is still pretty meh the US only needs to reduce by 7% since 1990... and now they have a year-long reprieve from a carbon tax for fuel? That's just gonna give industries even more time to waste energy meanwhile EU countries are trying to sell off their pollution credits to developing nations... what's up with that

the eu is finally making some noise about climate change lol i mean 90% emissions cut by 2040 sounds ambitious but its still a bit underwhelming considering the scale of the problem we're facing anyway i think its still a step in the right direction and props to the EU for at least trying to make it happen what's worrying me though is that they're gonna have to sell carbon credits to developing nations which might just create more problems for those countries than it solves

man... 90% emissions cut by 2040? sounds too good to be true . i mean, think about it, industries are already struggling with high energy costs, and now they gotta reduce their emissions by 85%? that's just gonna push them under the rug even more . and what about the carbon credits thingy? basically, europe is gonna sell its pollution to other countries, while still trying to pat itself on the back for being eco-friendly . i guess it's a step in the right direction, but let's not get too carried away here . the EU parliament still has to ratify this deal, and who knows what kinda drama will go down then?

I gotta say, 90% is still crazy ambitious lol . I mean, Europe's already done so much better than us on emissions cuts, it's not even fair . And selling carbon credits to developing nations? That's just a Band-Aid on the wound, if you ask me . But I guess it's still a step in the right direction... and we can't say Europe isn't committed to tackling climate change or anything .

I'm still salty about this compromise tho . 85% reduction is like, a lot of pressure on industries to get their act together. And delaying that carbon tax for fuel by a year? It's just gonna be another excuse for companies to pass the costs on to consumers, you know? .

But, I guess it's all about finding that balance between progress and protecting industry, right?

I mean I get where they're comin' from . Reducing emissions by 90% is still pretty impressive, especially considerin' the EU's already made some big strides since 1990 . But at the same time, I think it's a bit of a bummer that they had to compromise so much . I mean, 85% reduction is no joke for industries already strugglin' with energy costs ️.

And don't even get me started on the carbon credits thing ... I feel like we're just patchin' things up instead of really tacklin' the problem . Still, it's a step in the right direction, and I'm down to support that . Just hope they can get this ratified by the EU parliament without any major hiccups .