The unveiling of the 'Fit for 55' proposals will make climate policies more visible to EU citizens than ever before, testing Europe's widespread public support for ambitious climate action.
The policies, if approved, would put the bloc - the world's third-largest economy - on track for its goal of reducing planet-warming emissions 55% by 2030, from 1990 levels.
"Everybody has a target. But translating it into policies that lead to real emission reductions, that's the most difficult part," said Jos Delbeke, a former senior policymaker who developed some of the EU's flagship climate policies. For example, a leaked draft of one proposal would tax polluting jet fuel for the first time and give low-carbon aviation fuels a 10-year tax holiday. A revamp of the EU carbon market is also expected to hike CO2 costs for industry, power plants and airlines, and force ships to pay for their pollution.
Already, the plans have exposed familiar rifts between richer western and Nordic EU states where electric vehicle sales are soaring, and poorer eastern countries that are worried about the social cost of weaning their economies off coal. "There's no hiding that this package comes in the middle of a massive socio-economic crisis," said Manon Dufour of independent climate-change think-tank E3G. The EU "has to be even more careful about the social impacts".
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Cabinet to sign off on plans for reopening of indoor hospitality tomorrowThe plans allow for the reopening of indoor dining within NPHET’s guidance.
Read more »
Leo Varadkar confirms pub reopening dates as indoor dining decision expectedCabinet is set to make the big decision within days Covid19Ireland
Read more »
Lifeboat crews busy with dogs, sailors and Shannon cruisersRNLI says ‘stay within navigation markers ’ and advises ‘call emergency service to rescue pets’
Read more »
US to push development banks on climate financingUS Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said she will push the major multilateral development banks to 'increase their climate ambition' and accelerate timelines to support the Paris Agreement on carbon emissions reductions.
Read more »
Irish researchers make ventilator from windscreen-wiper motor and plywoodTeam has released design plan that requires no software, or electronic expertise, online
Read more »