European Union Parliament voted for 60% Emission cut by 2030

On October 6, 2020, the European Union Parliament voted updating its climate target to reduce emissions by 60% by 2030 as compared to 1990 levels. Earlier EU had set a goal of reducing 40% emission by 2030.

Highlights

The World Wildlife Fund and other Non-Governmental Organizations were insisting on at least 65% emission reduction by 2030. The voting was held under the presidency of Germany. Certain countries such as Poland were reluctant towards the set target. Still criticisms prevail over the fact that the target should be 55%. This is because, according to certain countries, a target of 60% might induce employment problems.

European Union Emissions Trading Scheme

It was the first large greenhouse gas emission trading scheme. Till date it remains the biggest. The scheme was launched in 2005. It is considered as a major pillar of EU Energy Policy. Between 2008 and 2016, the scheme helped EU reduce its emissions by 3.8%.

China-Biggest Emitter

China is the largest carbon emitter in the world This is mainly because majority of Chinese energy comes from coal-based power plants. In September 2020, China pledged to become carbon neutral by 2060. China is the largest emitter of Mercury.

Global Carbon Project Report, 2019

The report says that the growth rate of carbon dioxide emission being emitted from carbon dioxide reduced by 2.1%. This was mainly because of decline of use of coal in Europe and USA. It was also due to reduction in coal use in India and China.

Thus, the emission cuts of European Union has major influence. According to the report, Germany was one of the top ten countries of European Union. The other top ten emitters were China, USA, India, Japan, Russia, Iran, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Canada and South Korea.

As a region European Union ranked third.

India’s Emission Target

The following are India’s NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions)

• To achieve the target of 40% of cumulative electric power installed from non-fossil fuel- based energy resources by 2030
• To reduce emissions by 33% to 35% by 2030 as compared to that of 2005.

India has fixed these targets based on the clauses of Paris Agreement.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2020