Beyond 40 % – Assessing Efforts to be Europe’s Climate Leaders

Project

The project records and analyses the decarbonisation efforts of EU member states and other stakeholders that go beyond the 2030 EU climate targets. “Going beyond” can be achieved in different ways: Achieving higher emission reductions than required for 2030, achieving climate neutrality before 2050, achieving net-negative emissions by or before 2050 (e.g. by increasing carbon sinks and/or implementing negative-emissions technologies) or decreasing emissions in third countries (e.g. mitigation projects financed by Member States or other actors; or e.g. participation in voluntary markets by companies).

The project’s focus will be on those member states with the most ambitious climate policy and on a selected number of other EU member states, and/or other sub-national stakeholders, depending on the information available on activities and policy formulation, and on the potential for cooperation with local stakeholders.

Protesters on rally; photo: unsplash.com/Mika Baumeister

A preliminary analysis will be presented to stakeholders at organised ‘brainstorming’ events in Brussels and discussed in depth in further workshops in the different EU member states. The aim is to disseminate the results of the analysis and to enter into an exchange with local actors.

Finally, based on the results of the analysis and discussions, a comprehensive strategy paper will be prepared. This report will be disseminated by ERCST both at local and EU level and will be presented to representatives from business and society.

Background

In the context of the Paris Agreement, the European Union (EU) is increasing its efforts towards decarbonisation. Currently, the EU climate policy focusses on three mechanisms for reducing emissions.

First, by 2020, to reduce GHG emissions by 20 per cent compared to 1990 levels. Second, by 2030, to achieve 40 per cent, potentially 50-55 per cent. Third, to achieve GHG neutrality by 2050.

The results of the analysis of this project aim to broaden the understanding of new and far-reaching climate action in the EU.