site.btaGermany and 10 Other Countries, Including Bulgaria, Urge EU to Set Ambitious Climate Goals by 2040

Germany and 10 other EU member states, including Bulgaria, called on the European Commission to recommend ambitious climate goals to be met by 2040, DPA reported.

In a joint open letter representatives of Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Spain, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal and the Netherlands said that global warming is on track to intensify a number of adverse effects that put the well-being and security of the world at risk. The countries noted added they can only convince others to step up if they do their work at home.

The sought goal should be consistent with the principles of the European Climate Law, the letter said. For example, the best scientific knowledge available to date should be taken into account.

The target should also reflect cost-effectiveness, a fair and just transition to climate neutrality and the cost of inaction, as well as the advice of the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change, the letter added.

The EC intends to present its 2040 climate target in early February. The Scientific Advisory Board recently advocated a 90-95% reduction in EU emissions by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. This reduction is considered extremely important for mitigating climate-related risks.

The EU's stated goal so far is to reduce carbon emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and become climate neutral by 2050.