Minister cheers EU’s ambitious 2040 climate goal

The EU Commission’s new climate target of a 90% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2040 was welcomed by Danish Climate Minister Lars Aagaard, even as farmers protest and some European countries’ support for green policies wanes. Aagaard emphasized the need to stay the course despite lowered ambitions, considering it crucial to continue Denmark’s initiative, the first country to advocate for the 90% reduction goal. While nations grapple with the 2030 goal of a 55% reduction, Aagaard dismisses the idea that current challenges detract from the credibility of future targets. He notes the difference between EU and Danish goal-setting methods, the EU’s based on a budget principle that accounts for all emissions until the target year, which might be more challenging to meet. The finalization of this ambitious target is expected to take place after the upcoming EU Parliament elections and the formation of a new Commission, likely in about a year and a half.