Brussels: As EU ambassadors meet this week to decide their approach ahead of the UN General Assembly, following Macron’s delaying a decision on the group’s 2040 target, 350.org voices grave concern over both weak ambition as well as no decision on the EU NDC ahead of this year’s UN General Assembly and the deadline for countries to submit climate targets.
Andreas Sieber, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns at 350.org.
“It’s embarrassing that the EU finds itself in this position. The worst thing would be to rush to a weak 2035 target that locks in low ambition and removes pressure to agree on a strong 2040 goal. The smarter path would be a statement of intent to have something to show at the UN General Assembly, followed by a robust 2040 target in October that can lift up the 2035 milestone. This is not only about Europe’s credibility but in its self-interest to stay competitive. The stakes are high as the world is living through record heat, deadly floods, and devastating wildfires.
With the world watching ahead of COP30 in Brazil, the EU’s choices this week will signal whether Europe is prepared to play a leadership role in keeping 1.5°C alive — or whether it risks arriving in Belém with too little, too late.