EU ministers agree ‘Paris-proof’ climate target

EU environment ministers have agreed a new climate target for 2040 after talks that lasted through the night. A majority of EU member states voted in favour of cutting greenhouse emissions by 90 percent compared to 1990 levels by 2040. But NGOs have criticised the deal which allows for five percent of the cut to be out-sourced to other parts of the world, effectively paying other countries to make emission cuts on Europe’s behalf. Ministers were also unable to agree a 2035 target – the so-called NDC or National Determined Contribution - which must be presented to the UN ahead of the COP climate change conference. Instead, the EU will aim to reduce emissions ‘in the range of’ 66 to 72.5 percent over the next ten years. But the EU’s Climate Commissioner, Wopke Hoekstra, defended the deal which he says is both ambitious and pragmatic.

 

EARLY OUT

Out words: We reduce emissions

Dur: 0’24”

 

LONG PLAY

Out words: Of the game

Dur: 0’45”