EU climate actionPreventing dangerous climate change is a key priority for the European Union. Europe is working hard to cut its greenhouse gas emissions substantially while encouraging other nations and regions to do likewise.
Key EU targets for 2020
20% cut in greenhouse gas emissions compared with 1990
20% of total energy consumption from renewable energy
20% increase in energy efficiency
Regulation
The EU's emissions trading system is the key tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industry at the lowest cost.
EU countries are required to support renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and biomass to reach the green energy targets.
EU countries have to reduce the energy use of their buildings and industries are required to improve the energy efficiency of a wide array of equipment and household appliances.
Car manufacturers have to reduce CO2 emissions from new cars and vans.
Key EU targets for 2030
At least 40% cut in greenhouse gas emissions compared with 1990
At least 32% of total energy consumption from renewable energy
At least 32.5% increase in energy efficiency
Long-term goal
By 2050, the EU aims to cut its emissions substantially – by 80-95% compared to 1990 levels as part of the efforts required by developed countries as a group.
Turning Europe into a highly energy efficient and low-carbon economy will also boost the economy, create jobs and strengthen Europe's competitiveness.
Action towards climate targets
The EU is pursuing its climate targets through a combination of financial support and regulation.
Financial support
At least 20% of the EU's budget for 2014 to 2020 - as much as €180 billion - should be spent on protecting the climate. This is on top of funding from individual EU countries.The EU finances low-carbon energy demonstration projects from the sale of emission certificates. This includes technologies to trap carbon dioxide from power stations and other industrial installations and store it in the ground, so-called carbon capture and storage (CCS)
https://ec.europa.eu/clima/citizens/eu_en