The European Union announced their climate change plan, with a raft of legislation aimed at pushing towards its goal to become carbon neutral by 2050.
The plans include tax on jet fuel and banning sales of diesel and petrol powered cars within 20 years. However, the draft proposals still need approving by the bloc’s 27 member states and the EU parliament, with negotiations likely to take months. The plans have triggered arguments among the bloc’s administrative arm, the European Commission, as final tweaks are made.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says, “by acting now we can do things another way… and choose a better, healthier and more prosperous way for the future”. She says “Europe is ready to lead the way”. It is up to our generation to complete the task for the wellbeing of ourselves and for future generations.
The measures will probably result in pushing up costs of household heating, and increase the price of flights in the EU. However, financial assistance is available for those making long term changes to their homes, like installing insulation.
Everything planned is for a good cause, even if it is asking a lot from citizens and industries. EU climate policy chief Frans Timmermans says, “we do it to give humanity a fighting chance”.
Some industry leaders, such as airlines and vehicle manufacturers may oppose the plans, and eastern member states that rely heavily on coal might do too.
Fit for 55
One EU diplomat says, “the aim is to put the economy on a new level, not to stop it”. The success of the proposal relies on its ability for realism and social equality, while also maintaining a stable economy.
The measures, the EU’s most ambitious plan so far to tackle climate change, are named the Fit for 55 package. This is because it puts them on track to meet the 2030 goal of reducing emissions by 55% from levels in 1990.
Some of the key things proposed include:
- Tighter emission limits for cars, ending all new petrol and diesel vehicle sales by 2035
- Tax on aviation fuel, and 10 year tax holiday for alternatives low in carbon
- A carbon border tariff, which requires manufacturers from outside the EU to pay more to import materials such as concrete and steel
- Ambitious targets to expand renewable energy across the bloc
- Countries needing to renovate buildings that are not energy efficient more quickly
In September the EU Commission laid out the blueprint for reaching the 55% reduction target by 2030. In addition, at least 30% of their €1.8tn (£1.64tn; $2.2tn) long term budget is earmarked for expenses on climate-related measures.
The targets are part of a worldwide effort on tackling climate change by cutting pollution, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
The scale of the climate change plan is huge, and will likely impact on every citizen of Europe in nearly all aspects of their lives.
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