EU agrees 2040 emissions target: comment

“At 1.3°C of global heating, on track for nearly 3°C this century, nations’ emissions pledges need to deliver a big boost to global ambition this year.

"The UK took its leadership role seriously, bringing an ambitious target to COP29. The EU has an even bigger role, as one of the world’s top four emitters, to lead the way. 90% by 2040 is ambitious, but that ambition risks being undermined if it relies on buying in emissions cuts from elsewhere to make up the numbers.

"Net zero is the only tool we have to tackle climate change and, collectively, the world is not on track. Developing nations on the frontline of worsening climate change impacts will fear for COP30’s outcome if a big beast like the EU is stopping short of the ambition expected of them - even by their own climate advisers.”