The United Nations is intensifying pressure on the European Union to submit its long-awaited climate plan, aiming to fill a diplomatic void created by the United States’ shifting stance on climate action, Bloomberg reports.
Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the UN’s climate body, emphasized the need for the EU to demonstrate “leadership” by presenting its emissions-reduction plan, formally known as a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). This plan was due last month and must be submitted before the COP30 summit in Brazil in November.
“This is Europe’s moment; I urge you seize it. You have the technology, you have the resources; what is needed now is leadership,” Stiell said in Berlin.
The call comes amidst increasing geopolitical complexities impacting the global fight against climate change. The United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement is expected to significantly reduce financial support for developing countries. Furthermore, the US’s reluctance to fully support Europe on defense is straining EU budgets, potentially diverting resources away from the green transition.
Stiell cited Brazil and the UK as examples of countries setting ambitious emissions-cutting targets. In an apparent reference to the US’s reduced engagement in climate action, he noted that one nation’s retreat presents an opportunity for the EU to step up, seize investment opportunities, and lead the global effort. He warned that failing to do so risks shaving 2.3% off global GDP by mid-century due to the effects of climate change.
The delay in the EU’s climate plan is attributed, in part, to a hold-up in one of its core components. The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, had initially planned to officially propose a 90% reduction in emissions by 2040 by the end of March. However, the Commission is now only stating that the proposal will be released in the “near future.”
The viability of achieving a majority consensus among the EU’s 27 member states in support of such an ambitious target remains uncertain. Poland, currently holding the bloc’s rotating presidency, had been advocating for a postponement of the proposal until after the country’s presidential election in May.
EU climate chief Wopke Hoekstra addressed the concerns on Tuesday, stating that he is actively working to persuade skeptical nations within the bloc to embrace the ambitious climate goals.
