The EU will not meet its environmental targets for 2020 but could achieve those for 2030 and 2050 if urgent action is taken, the European Environment Agency (EEA) said Wednesday.

"While most of the 2020 targets will not be achieved, especially those on biodiversity, there is still a chance to meet the longer-term goals and objectives for 2030 and 2050," the EEA said in a report published during the COP25 summit that opened in Madrid on Monday.

It said Europe needed "urgent action" during the next 10 years to address "the alarming rate of biodiversity loss, increasing impacts of climate change and the overconsumption of natural resources."

The report noted that while there had been a 22 percent decrease in greenhouse gas emissions between 1990 and 2017 and a rising share of renewable energies, more progress was needed.

The EEA said that of the 13 biodiversity policy objectives set for 2020, only two would be met: designating marine protected areas and terrestrial protected areas.

However, the protection of species and natural habitats, water ecosystems and wetlands, and soil conditions remain a concern, as do chemical emissions and air and noise pollution.

"Policies have been more effective in reducing environmental pressures than in protecting biodiversity and ecosystems, and human health and well-being," the report said.

Current trends show a "slowing down of progress in areas such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, industrial emissions, waste generation, improving energy efficiency and the share of renewable energy. Looking ahead, the current rate of progress will not be enough to meet 2030 and 2050 climate and energy targets."

The COP15 on biodiversity will be held next year in China where states will set new targets, even though the objectives for 2020 will still not have been met.

Related Links

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Carbon markets: looming climate showdown?
Paris (AFP) Nov 28, 2019
The "rulebook" needed for the Paris Agreement climate treaty to become operational at the end of 2020 is mostly complete except for one major sticking point - the way in which carbon markets will function. What may seem like a technicality could in fact prove key to the world's plans to reduce emissions and stave off dangerous temperature rise. - How much does carbon cost? - The Paris deal commits nations to cap that rise to "well below" two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). The wor ... read more