The European Commission has called for the bloc to aim for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 in its new decarbonisation strategy. The EU’s newly-agreed renewable energy and energy efficiency targets put the bloc on track to cut emissions in 2050 by 60% compared to 1990.
But that will still not be enough to meet the Paris target of keeping temperature rises to well below 2 degrees. The Commission has therefore set out different scenarios covering various levels of renewables expansion, transport electrification and measures in other sectors. These would take Europe to different levels of greenhouse gas emission reductions. To reach full carbon-neutrality, the Commission is exploring options including increased bioenergy and promoting a circular economy.
