EU environment ministers strike deal on climate law, leave out 2030 target

News: European Union(EU) Environment Ministers have signed a deal that aims to make the EU’s 2050 net-zero emissions target legally binding on the states.However, they left a decision on a 2030 emissions-cutting target for leaders to discuss in December.

Facts:

• Background: The EU aims to be climate-neutral by 2050 – an economy with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
• What does the deal provide? 
  • The deal will fix in law the EU target to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and define the rules for reviewing progress towards climate targets.
  • The law will give the EU the legal possibility to act when those who make promises don’t deliver on the promises.

Additional Facts:

• Net zero emissions: It refers to achieving an overall balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced and greenhouse gas emissions taken out of the atmosphere.
• Zero Carbon law: It was passed by New Zealand with the aim to tackle climate change by setting a net-zero target for almost all greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.