"EU Must Live Up to Climate Promise as World on Course for Devastating 2.9°C of Warming"
The European Union's credibility on climate change is under fire from a former Swedish environment minister, who argues that the bloc has a "moral obligation" to developing countries to take drastic action to reduce emissions.
According to Isabella Lövin, a prominent Green MEP and former deputy prime minister of Sweden, the EU's proposed carbon emissions target for 2040 - which is aimed at keeping global warming below 1.5°C - is still too ambitious. "We're not on course to meet our own targets," she claims. "The world is actually on track for 2.9°C of warming, and that's a catastrophic level."
Lövin attributes the failure to reach the 1.5°C target to the EU's lack of leadership, particularly in the wake of the US's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. The European Commission's own analysis suggests that reducing carbon emissions by 90% by 2040 is feasible, but Lövin argues that this would require a more ambitious approach.
Developing countries are bearing the brunt of climate change, with many facing devastating natural disasters and economic devastation. "The rich countries have developed our wealth through the burning of fossil fuels," Lövin notes. "We have a moral obligation to show leadership and take action."
Sticking to the 2040 target is also in the EU's self-interest, according to Lövin. China has already made significant strides in transitioning to renewable energy, and the EU risks being left behind if it fails to follow suit.
The divide between the Greens and Conservatives in the European Parliament is also causing concern, with many right-wing parties advocating for deregulation of environmental legislation. "That's not what we're asking for," Lövin insists. "We want clear targets that companies can work towards."
As the world teeters on the brink of catastrophic climate change, Lövin urges the EU to step up its game and take action. "Just tell us what you need us to do, and we will do it," she says. The clock is ticking - will the EU live up to its climate promise?
The European Union's credibility on climate change is under fire from a former Swedish environment minister, who argues that the bloc has a "moral obligation" to developing countries to take drastic action to reduce emissions.
According to Isabella Lövin, a prominent Green MEP and former deputy prime minister of Sweden, the EU's proposed carbon emissions target for 2040 - which is aimed at keeping global warming below 1.5°C - is still too ambitious. "We're not on course to meet our own targets," she claims. "The world is actually on track for 2.9°C of warming, and that's a catastrophic level."
Lövin attributes the failure to reach the 1.5°C target to the EU's lack of leadership, particularly in the wake of the US's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. The European Commission's own analysis suggests that reducing carbon emissions by 90% by 2040 is feasible, but Lövin argues that this would require a more ambitious approach.
Developing countries are bearing the brunt of climate change, with many facing devastating natural disasters and economic devastation. "The rich countries have developed our wealth through the burning of fossil fuels," Lövin notes. "We have a moral obligation to show leadership and take action."
Sticking to the 2040 target is also in the EU's self-interest, according to Lövin. China has already made significant strides in transitioning to renewable energy, and the EU risks being left behind if it fails to follow suit.
The divide between the Greens and Conservatives in the European Parliament is also causing concern, with many right-wing parties advocating for deregulation of environmental legislation. "That's not what we're asking for," Lövin insists. "We want clear targets that companies can work towards."
As the world teeters on the brink of catastrophic climate change, Lövin urges the EU to step up its game and take action. "Just tell us what you need us to do, and we will do it," she says. The clock is ticking - will the EU live up to its climate promise?