European Union Postpones Climate Target 2040, Why?

Photo illustration. (Doc. Pexels)

JAKARTA - The European Union Commission's ambitious plan to set new climate targets in the first quarter of this year has experienced a sudden delay. The long-awaited step, namely the announcement of the emission reduction target for 2040, must now be postponed, the European Commission said in an official statement on Friday, March 21.

Earlier, Reuters reported on Saturday, March 22, Brussels had announced its intention to amend the European Union's climate law this quarter. This change is crucial to set a 2040 target, as a bridge between the 2030 emission reduction target and the carbon-neutral destination by 2050.

However, this plan appears hampered by strong political opposition. Several member states and EU lawmakers have shown a reluctance to support a 90 percent emission reduction target, previously indicated by the Commission as the ideal target for 2040.

This delay hinted at fierce debate within the European Union over the speed and ambition of the green transition. With 90 percent emission reduction targets seen as overradical by some, the future of EU climate policy is now in the spotlight.

On the other hand, this delay creates uncertainty for industry players and investors who need policy certainty to plan their green transition.

Meanwhile, this European Union move is also observed by other regional countries, and this delay could affect the momentum of global climate action.