European Parliament MPs want EU climate policy to be highly ambitious

The resolution, adopted with 57 votes in favour, 23 against and four abstentions, calls on all countries to contribute their fair share in providing adequate climate finance.

Parliament members stressed the need for EU climate policy “to keep a high ambition in line with the agreed targets and to prioritise in its actions cost-effectiveness, the competitiveness of European economy, social inclusion and a high level of environmental protection”.

They urged the European Council to adopt as soon as possible the EU’s climate pledge for 2035, and they regret the fact that the EU did not submit on time its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement, a release from the Parliament said.

The text also underlines the need to adopt a science-based EU climate target for 2040 in accordance with the European Climate Law.

Parliament members reiterated the urgent need to end the EU’s fossil fuel dependence and accelerate its energy transition. They restate the need for the European Commission and EU countries to set a deadline for the phasing out of fossil fuels subsidies.

The document says climate change can lead to a scarcity of natural resources, food shortages, increased tensions in international relations, conflicts over natural resources, and is responsible for natural disasters. The international community should pay increased attention to the climate impact of conflicts, the Parliament members add, while underlining the frightening extent of environmental damage caused in Ukraine and Gaza Strip.

They also want the defence sector to contribute to tackling climate change by reducing its emissions intensity and accelerating decarbonisation in the industry.

The resolution argues for increased global efforts to reduce emissions and address climate impact across all sectors, including methane, road transport, international shipping, agriculture, textiles, and tourism.

The resolution will be put to a vote by the full house during the plenary session of October 20-23.

The 30th UN climate conference will take place from November 10 to 21 this year in Belem, Brazil. A European Parliament delegation led by chair Lídia Pereira and vice chair Mohammed Chahim will attend COP30 from November 17 to 21.

COP30 will focus on the efforts needed to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the presentation of new national action plans and the progress on the finance pledges made at COP29.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)