In view of the 23-24 October European Council, CAN Europe calls on heads of states and governments to support an ambitious domestic EU 2040 climate target aligned with 1.5°C science, and equity.
As shown by this summer’s record heatwaves and devastating wildfires, the effects of increasing global warming are dramatically felt in both the EU and the rest of the world. The recent report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) indicates that between 1980 and 2023 weather- and climate-related extreme events caused over 240,000 fatalities and EUR2023 738 billion in the EU-27, with over EUR2023 162 billion in costs from 2021 to 2023 alone.
While delaying climate action will imply dramatic costs for society and the economy, as highlighted by the European Climate Risk Assessment, acting promptly and decisively will bring a wide range of benefits: following a more ambitious pathway, the EU could gain at least €1 trillion by 2030. Meanwhile, the latest EU barometer confirmed that European citizens regard climate action as a key priority. With COP30 fast approaching, it is critical that the EU demonstrates its commitment to the Paris Agreement by showcasing an ambitious, science and equity-aligned 2040 target and NDC.
