EU aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990

By 2030, the EU wants to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55% from 1990 levels, and by 2050, it wants to be climate neutral. When the EU climate law was adopted in 2021 as part of the European Green Deal, these goals became legally binding for all of the countries in the EU to make an effort to combat the effects of climate change.

From 1990 to 2023, emissions have been steadily declining. After a notable 8% decline from 2022, EU emissions were estimated to be 37% lower in 2023 compared to figures in 1990. See the infographic below to see the progress the EU has made to reach their climate change goals.

Infographic showing the greenhouse gas emissions in the EU from 1990 to 2050

Nevertheless, the EU and its member states might need to do more to achieve the climate change goals for 2030 and 2050. Based on the latest forecasts from member states considering current measures, the net emissions reduction is expected to reach only around 43% by 2030. Including measures that are planned but not yet implemented by EU countries, the anticipated decrease would be 49% by 2030.

According to the sixth assessment report by the InterGovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) from 2023, emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities are responsible for about 1.1°C of warming since the beginning of the 20th century. These activities include the burning of coal, oil and gas, deforestation and farming.

Greenhouse gases remain in the atmosphere for periods ranging from a few years to thousands of years. Consequently, this has had a negative impact across the globe. Numerous greenhouse gases are found naturally in the atmosphere; however, human activities, as previously mentioned, significantly increase these levels, enhancing the greenhouse effect that is leading to global warming.

The national targets that have been set take under consideration each country's net residential item per capita and the cost-effectiveness of the measures. In addition, EU nations will need to guarantee they don't exceed their annual greenhouse gas emission allocation.

Earlier this year, to further combat the effects of climate change following months of delay, countries within the European Union have adopted a nature policy aimed at restoring damaged natural areas. One of the largest environmental laws in the EU is the nature restoration law, which mandates that by 2030, member states must implement plans to restore nature on a fifth of their land and sea. This will also significantly help in reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

You can find out more information regarding this issue by visiting the European Parliament website.

Fighting climate change is a priority for the EU.