EU scales back climate leadership as populism and global inaction stall 2040 emissions goal
European Union leaders proposed a scaled-back 2040 climate target this week, signaling a shift away from the bloc’s historic leadership as political pressure and global inaction grow.
Fiona Harvey reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- The EU Commission proposed a 90% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, but allowed up to 3% of that to come from international carbon credits, an approach critics say weakens real action.
- Some member states, including France, are pushing to delay adoption of the target, citing political pressure and upcoming negotiations over 2035 emissions under the Paris Agreement.
- Despite growing populist backlash, polling shows most EU citizens support strong climate action, creating tension between public sentiment and political strategy.
Key quote:
“Carbon credits are a mirage, an accounting trick to let the rich world keep on burning fossil fuels whilst pretending climate change is being tackled somewhere else in the world.”
— Mohamed Adow, director of Power Shift Africa
Why this matters:
The EU has long played the role of global climate leader, but its recent move to soften climate goals and allow carbon offsets reflects rising internal divisions and external frustration. This shift comes just months before the COP30 climate summit, where nations must present new emissions plans. Weakening ambition in Europe could undermine international cooperation as climate tipping points loom. Meanwhile, the United States has largely stepped back from climate efforts, and fossil fuel producers like Russia and Saudi Arabia continue to stall progress. What happens in Brussels affects not only European air and water quality, but also the pace of global action. If one of the most important climate leaders falters, it risks dragging down the rest of the world with it.
Learn more: EU shifts course on climate policy as deregulation accelerates
