EU urged to strengthen ETS to reach 2030 climate goals

(EurActiv, 13 Nov 2020) A strengthened emissions trading scheme (ETS) will be vital to drive further CO2 reductions in the European Union as the bloc discusses an increase of its 2030 climate target, policymakers say.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans in September to target a 55% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 as part of a broader European Green Deal programme aimed at reaching “climate neutrality” by mid-century.

A broad review of EU climate legislation is planned for June next year to achieve this objective, which will include a revision of the ETS, the EU’s flagship carbon trading scheme.

“It is of upmost importance to strengthen the current ETS by aligning the emissions ceiling with the increased target for 2030,” said Sophie van Eck from the Dutch Permanent Representation to the EU, who spoke at a EURACTIV event earlier this week.

The ETS has already meant coal is less viable than wind and solar power. But although it has driven change towards greener energy, policymakers say it needs to be updated again to further boost renewables and put Europe on track to reaching climate neutrality by 2050, the EU’s stated objective.

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EurActiv, 13 Nov 2020: EU urged to strengthen ETS to reach 2030 climate goals