EU countries approve binding climate change law
Photo by @guillaumeperigoison Unsplash
On June 28 2021, the Council adopted with a large majority, the European climate law, which sets into legislation the objective of a climate-neutral EU by 2050
The European climate law sets a binding Union climate target of a reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions (emissions after deduction of removals) by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990. It aims to put climate at the heart of all EU policy making, ensuring that future regulations support the emissions-cutting aims. This law also requires the creation of an independent expert body to advise on climate policies, and to develop a mechanism to calculate the total emissions the EU can produce from 2030-2050.
We are happy to see that the climate law also foresees an important role for nature: “The restoration of ecosystems would assist in maintaining, managing and enhancing natural sinks and promote biodiversity while fighting climate change. Furthermore, the ‘triple role’ of forests, namely, as carbon sinks, storage and substitution, contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, while ensuring that forests continue to grow and provide many other services.” Especially mentioned are Nature Based Solutions as cost-effective methods to mitigate and adapt to climate change. whilst also protection biodiversity.
As an active partner of LIFE Natur’Adapt, EUROPARC is engaging its community of members into integrating climate change in their management practices with a focus on adaptation. To that end, we are running a Climate Change Task Force and putting together a number of resources on the topic.
