The EU 2030 emission reduction target should be revised upwards to at least 60% by 2030. To achieve this urgent task of cutting global greenhouse gas emissions, action is needed now “at all levels of government and across all sectors”, states a new position paper by Eurocities.
While the paper calls for a binding EU level target of at least 60% it also says that this should be supported by a reduction target of at least 55% at member state level.
“Five years after the Paris agreement, the pandemic has shown sustainability to be a crucial issue on which we cannot fail,” says Dario Nardella, President of Eurocities and Mayor of Florence. “Europe must maintain its global leadership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 60% for 2030, laying the groundwork for an inclusive recovery.”
Released today, ahead of the European Council meeting on 10-11 December, the paper also cites the EU budget and recovery package as a vital tool that can help cities sustain the transformation process towards climate neutrality.
Getting the recovery right calls for a new dialogue of European and national leaders with mayors. “We are asking for a seat at the table when decisions that have implications for cities are taken,” says Nardella.
In earlier comments on the EU budget, Nardella said: “This is the time for solidarity, not for vetoes.”
