EU’s proposed 2040 emissions target signals its retreat as leader on climate action
Guardian2 days
EU Proposes 90% Emissions Cut by 2040 Amid Political Divisions
EU Proposes 90% Emissions Cut by 2040 Amid Political Divisions
Above: People try to cool off in public fountains in Berlin, Germany on July 2, 2025. Image copyright: Halil Sagirkaya/Anadolu/Getty Images
The Spin
The 90% emissions target represents pragmatic leadership that balances climate ambition with economic reality. The flexibility to use international carbon credits creates opportunities to build bridges with developing nations while maintaining industrial competitiveness during challenging geopolitical times.
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Metaculus Prediction
There's a 50% chance that the 2˚C climate threshold will be crossed by 2043, according to the Metaculus prediction community.