Europe’s most effective tool to cut greenhouse gas emissions ‘risks being weakened’
Summary
The European Commission suggested changing its main system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the European Union Emissions Trading System (ETS). While aiming to meet stricter climate goals by 2040, critics warn the proposal could weaken efforts by giving companies easier ways to pollute and lowering permit costs.Key Facts
- The ETS is Europe’s main tool for cutting planet-heating gas emissions, helping reduce emissions by 47% since 2005.
- The European Commission wants to revise the ETS to align with Europe’s goal of cutting emissions by 90% by 2040.
- Some heavy industries would receive free pollution permits for a longer time, and the number of pollution permits will decrease more slowly.
- The ETS would expand to cover municipal waste, aiming to increase recycling and reduce burning trash.
- Flights within 5,000 km of Europe would be included, affecting flights to North Africa and the Middle East but not longer flights to places like China or the U.S.
- Private jets would be included in the ETS for the first time, ending a prior exemption.
- Critics say the changes could weaken the ETS, letting companies pollute more cheaply and slowing investment in clean technology.
- The European Commission is concerned about industries moving abroad due to competition from countries with lower standards and heavy subsidies.
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