Reducing greenhouse gases is back at the center of the European debate after the European Commission's proposal to set a binding target of a 90% reduction in emissions by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the continent's climate agenda and responds to growing social pressure in the face of extreme events and the impact of global warming, while new strategies are deployed to meet commitments made in the Paris Agreement.
Despite this progress, the proposal comes at a time marked by political polarization and pressure from various economic and social sectors. The challenge of climate neutrality by 2050 It demands profound adjustments in the economy, industry, and consumer habits, while European citizens express, according to the latest Eurobarometers, strong support for climate action.
A new regulatory framework: flexibility and commitments
The legislation proposes several ways to achieve the new reduction target Emissions of greenhouse gases. Among the new features is the introduction of high-quality international carbon credits Starting in 2036, this will allow certain sectors to offset part of their emissions by financing carbon reduction or absorption projects outside the EU. However, the number of credits eligible will be capped (a maximum of 3% of 1990 net emissions), ensuring that the majority of the reduction will occur within Europe itself.
Likewise, mechanisms are reinforced to enhance the natural and industrial carbon dioxide absorptions, promoting both reforestation and ecosystem restoration, as well as capture and storage through emerging technologies. This regulatory flexibility seeks to respond to the economic and structural differences between Member States and to make compatible the protection of employment and ecological transition.
The key role of innovation and regulation
The new scenario encourages investment in clean technologies through instruments such as the Clean Industrial Pact and the EU Emissions Trading System, expanding options for companies to reduce their carbon footprint. Furthermore, the introduction of regularly reviewed national energy and climate plans allows Member State objectives to be adapted to the pace of technological change and the productive characteristics of each country.
For the Commission, provide certainty to investors and companies It is one of the keys to mobilizing private capital toward innovation and sustainable development projects, while strengthening the continent's energy independence in an uncertain geopolitical context. The regulatory push, accompanied by economic incentives and clear intermediate objectives, seeks to consolidate European leadership in the energy transition.
Debate and controversy: limits of external compensation
The inclusion of international compensation has generated mixed reactions among the scientific community and environmental organizations. NGOs and climate experts They emphasize that excessive reliance on external carbon credits can dilute real reduction efforts and open the door to double-counting practices or "accounting tricks." They argue that the priority must remain the profound transformation of production systems, energy efficiency, and the gradual abandonment of fossil fuels.
The environmental sector insists that the challenge of limiting the increase in global temperature requires Europe to take the lead with net zero emissions and ambitious measures within its borders. Demands such as increasing carbon absorption capacity through the restoration of forests, wetlands, and soils, or strengthening policies in strategic sectors such as transportation, energy, and industry, are among the main demands.
Comprehensive solutions: combining technology and nature
Experts consulted remember that achieve the 90% target This won't be possible by relying on a single approach. Neither technology alone—such as CO2 capture or new industrial solutions—nor strategies based solely on environmental restoration will be sufficient. Success will depend on the intelligent combination of both, as well as adaptation to local contexts and rigorous assessment of the risks, viability and durability of absorption actions.
The current debate also extends to the productive sector, where innovative initiatives and public aid are emerging that encourage the adoption of sustainable practices and the emission reductionCompanies from different sectors have begun to focus on decarbonization, the review of production processes, and the use of renewable energy as part of the response to the global challenge of the greenhouse effect.
The European proposal for 2040 sets a clear roadmap, still subject to political and social debate. Citizens and experts agree on the urgency of action, as these objectives will be key not only to the continent's climate future, but also to its future. competitiveness, well-being and resilience facing the environmental challenges of the 21st century.