Advancements in Carbon Reduction Activities in Europe (September 09-15, 2024)
This report provides a detailed overview of the advancements in carbon reduction activities in Europe announced between September 09, 2024, and September 15, 2024. The information is compiled from various reputable sources to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.
1. EU Climate Target Recommendation
On September 09, 2024, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission presented a recommendation for an EU climate target for 2040. The recommendation is to cut EU net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. This target aligns with the EU’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and aims to set the path to climate neutrality by 2050.
The JRC’s assessment included socio-economic impacts, energy scenarios on decarbonization, land use and forest sinks, and higher raw materials demand. The analysis emphasized the importance of securing resilient supply chains for critical raw materials to achieve the 2040 target.
Source: Joint Research Centre
2. State of the Energy Union Report
On September 11, 2024, the European Commission released the State of the Energy Union 2024 report. The report highlighted significant progress in meeting the objectives of the Energy Union, including the REPowerEU plan to reduce dependencies on Russia’s fossil fuels and accelerate the transition towards climate neutrality.
The report noted that the EU has successfully put in place the necessary regulatory and financing framework to achieve its 2030 climate and energy goals, laying the foundations for renewed economic growth and competitiveness.
Source: European Commission
3. EU Countries Lagging on Carbon Emissions Reductions
On September 14, 2024, Euronews reported that several EU member states are lagging in their carbon emissions reduction efforts. The European Commission urged member states to submit their final national energy and climate plans (NECPs) to meet the 2030 targets. As of the report, only ten countries had submitted their plans, with the overall projection indicating a 51% reduction in GHGs by 2030, short of the 55% target.
Genady Kondarev, a senior associate at the energy think tank E3G, emphasized the importance of these plans for signaling the bloc’s climate commitments ahead of COP30 in Brazil.
Source: Euronews
4. EU Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Certification
The European Parliament approved a certification scheme for carbon removals in April 2024, which was highlighted in a report on September 15, 2024. The certification ensures that carbon removal activities are measured accurately and stored for as long as possible, preventing greenwashing and supporting biodiversity and ecosystems.
The new law covers various methods of carbon removal, including permanent carbon storage through industrial technologies, carbon storage in long-lasting products, and carbon farming. The act also sets a target for the EU to store at least 50 million tonnes of CO2 annually by 2030.
Source: European Parliament
Conclusion
The period between September 09 and September 15, 2024, saw significant advancements in Europe’s carbon reduction activities. The EU continues to make strides towards its ambitious climate targets, although challenges remain in ensuring all member states meet their commitments. The establishment of robust certification schemes and the emphasis on resilient supply chains are crucial steps in achieving long-term climate goals.
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