European Commission presidential nominee Ursula von der Leyen has said that she wants Europe to become the world's first climate-neutral continent in the world, with 2050 her target.
Climate neutrality is where greenhouse gas emissions are reduced as much as possible and are balanced or offset by measures which remove gases from the atmosphere.
The German defence minister told MEPs in the European Parliament on Tuesday morning that the most pressing challenge facing them going forward is keeping the planet healthy.
what is good for our planet must also be good for our people and our regions
“This is the greatest responsibility and opportunity of our times. I want Europe to become the first climate-neutral continent in the world by 2050. To make this happen, we must take bold steps together. Our current goal of reducing our emissions by 40% by 2030 is not enough.
“We must go further. We must strive for more. A two-step approach is needed to reduce CO2 emissions by 2030 by 50%, if not 55%.
Ambition
“The EU will lead international negotiations to increase the level of ambition of other major economies by 2021. Because to achieve real impact, we do not only have to be ambitious at home – we have to do that, yes – but the world has to move together,” she said.
To make this happen, von der Leyen said that if elected, she will put forward a green deal for Europe in her first 100 days in office.
“I will put forward the first ever European climate law which will set the 2050 target into law.
“This increase of ambition will need investment on a major scale. Public money will not be enough. I will propose a Sustainable Europe Investment Plan and turn parts of the European Investment Bank into a climate bank. This will unlock €1 trillion of investment over the next decade,” she said.
She said this means that every sector will have to contribute, from aviation to maritime transport to the way each and every European travels and lives.
“Emissions must have a price that changes our behaviour. To complement this work, and to ensure our companies can compete on a level-playing field, I will introduce a carbon border tax to avoid carbon leakage.
“But what is good for our planet must also be good for our people and our regions. Of course I know about the importance of cohesion funds. But we need more. We need a just transition for all. Not all of our regions have the same starting point – but we all share the same destination,” she said.
On Brexit, von der Leyen said that she cannot talk about Europe without talking about the United Kingdom.
“For the very first time in 2016 a member state decided to leave the European Union. This is a serious decision. We regret it, but we respect it.
“Since then, together with the current government of the United Kingdom, the European Union has worked hard to organise the orderly departure of the United Kingdom.
“The Withdrawal Agreement concluded with the government of the United Kingdom provides certainty where Brexit created uncertainty – in preserving the rights of citizens and in preserving peace and stability on the island of Ireland. These two priorities are mine, too,” she said.
The German said that she stands ready for a further extension of the Brexit withdrawal date, should more time be required for a good reason.
“In any case, the United Kingdom will remain our ally, our partner and our friend,” she concluded.
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European Commission presidential nominee Ursula von der Leyen has said that she wants Europe to become the world's first climate-neutral continent in the world, with 2050 her target.
Climate neutrality is where greenhouse gas emissions are reduced as much as possible and are balanced or offset by measures which remove gases from the atmosphere.
The German defence minister told MEPs in the European Parliament on Tuesday morning that the most pressing challenge facing them going forward is keeping the planet healthy.
what is good for our planet must also be good for our people and our regions
“This is the greatest responsibility and opportunity of our times. I want Europe to become the first climate-neutral continent in the world by 2050. To make this happen, we must take bold steps together. Our current goal of reducing our emissions by 40% by 2030 is not enough.
“We must go further. We must strive for more. A two-step approach is needed to reduce CO2 emissions by 2030 by 50%, if not 55%.
Ambition
“The EU will lead international negotiations to increase the level of ambition of other major economies by 2021. Because to achieve real impact, we do not only have to be ambitious at home – we have to do that, yes – but the world has to move together,” she said.
To make this happen, von der Leyen said that if elected, she will put forward a green deal for Europe in her first 100 days in office.
“I will put forward the first ever European climate law which will set the 2050 target into law.
“This increase of ambition will need investment on a major scale. Public money will not be enough. I will propose a Sustainable Europe Investment Plan and turn parts of the European Investment Bank into a climate bank. This will unlock €1 trillion of investment over the next decade,” she said.
She said this means that every sector will have to contribute, from aviation to maritime transport to the way each and every European travels and lives.
“Emissions must have a price that changes our behaviour. To complement this work, and to ensure our companies can compete on a level-playing field, I will introduce a carbon border tax to avoid carbon leakage.
“But what is good for our planet must also be good for our people and our regions. Of course I know about the importance of cohesion funds. But we need more. We need a just transition for all. Not all of our regions have the same starting point – but we all share the same destination,” she said.
On Brexit, von der Leyen said that she cannot talk about Europe without talking about the United Kingdom.
“For the very first time in 2016 a member state decided to leave the European Union. This is a serious decision. We regret it, but we respect it.
“Since then, together with the current government of the United Kingdom, the European Union has worked hard to organise the orderly departure of the United Kingdom.
“The Withdrawal Agreement concluded with the government of the United Kingdom provides certainty where Brexit created uncertainty – in preserving the rights of citizens and in preserving peace and stability on the island of Ireland. These two priorities are mine, too,” she said.
The German said that she stands ready for a further extension of the Brexit withdrawal date, should more time be required for a good reason.
“In any case, the United Kingdom will remain our ally, our partner and our friend,” she concluded.
Read more
10% of consumers consider carbon footprint when buying dairy – NDC boss
Mercosur: hypocrisy of Government must be challenged – IGGG
Watch: rural Ireland brings its anger to the streets of Dublin
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