BERLIN, Sep 8 (QNA/APP): German Environment Minister Carsten Schneider pressed for speeding up consultations on setting a new climate target for the European Union.
In press statements, Schneider said that anyone who obstructs the new European climate target for 2040 and delays the necessary decisions is acting against German interests and risks Germany taking a costly, private path.
The German minister explained that he expects to join forces within the federal government to work together to ensure a decision is issued in the next Environment Council.
EU environment ministers are scheduled to meet on September 18.
In early July, the European Commission presented a proposal to reduce carbon emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990, with the possibility of offsetting part of this percentage through internationally recognized climate certificates.
The proposal requires the approval of EU member states and the European Parliament, but it has long faced opposition within many EU countries.
Last week, climate activists sent an open letter to the German chancellor that stressed to prevent the delay in climate protection and ensure that the meeting of environment ministers on September 18 results in the adoption of the EU’s 2040 climate target, in addition to the EU’s contribution to climate protection. They warned against anything else that would jeopardize international climate protection.
