Environmental groups are suing the EU, arguing that its 2030 climate targets for key sectors, including agriculture and transport, are insufficient to meet global climate goals.
The lawsuit challenges the EU's emission limits for sectors responsible for over half of its greenhouse gas emissions.
The plaintiffs claim these targets are not aligned with the best available science or the Paris agreement’s 1.5C warming limit.
The case has been fast-tracked, with an oral hearing expected in 2025.
Key quote:
“States are obliged to adopt science-based emissions targets consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5C.”
— Gerry Liston, senior lawyer with GLAN
Why this matters:
Weak climate targets could undermine global efforts to prevent severe climate change impacts. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for stronger environmental policies across Europe.
Environmental campaigners have taken a first step towards legally challenging the European Commission over a policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, saying it fell short of Europe's "fair share" in combating climate change.
"Governments are cheating people and nature on their desire for safe planet and for protecting ecosystem,” says Stephan Singer from Climate Action Network.
Some governments take global warming seriously, while others defy the science and virtually ignore it. The climate change resisters' league names names.
