The European Green Deal, the EU's ambitious plan for climate neutrality by 2050, gains momentum as an essential strategy to transform the continent into the world's first climate-neutral region. A central pillar of this endeavor is the new legislation requiring all new cars and vans to be emission-free by 2035, aligned with the targets set in the European Climate Law. This legislative milestone underscores the EU's commitment to reshape its economy and society for a prosperous, green, and equitable future.
European Union countries have achieved a significant breakthrough by approving a historic law mandating that all new cars sold from 2035 must be emission-free. The BBC noted that while Poland opposed the law, Italy, Bulgaria, and Romania abstained from voting.
After weeks of deliberation, an agreement was reached, overcoming a delay caused by Germany's push for an exemption for vehicles powered by e-fuels. These fuels are considered carbon-neutral as they offset emitted CO2 by utilizing captured emissions during combustion. Initially, the new law seemed poised to ban internal combustion engine cars in the EU from 2035. However, Germany's successful push for e-fuel exemptions will benefit traditional vehicles, although large-scale e-fuel production is yet to be established.
Amidst concerns that global temperature rise may exceed the 1.5°C target, the EU's bold move assumes greater significance.
The newly adopted EU law stipulates that all new cars sold after 2035 must produce zero CO2 emissions. By 2030, vehicles should also achieve a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to 2021 levels. Additionally, the plan requires a 55% average emissions reduction for new cars and a 50% reduction for new vans by 2030, compared to their emissions in 2021.
Conclusion: The European Union's decision to mandate zero-emission vehicles by 2035 represents a monumental leap toward a sustainable future. By prioritizing emission-free transportation, Europe is taking a crucial step in combatting climate change and accelerating the transition to cleaner, greener mobility solutions. This achievement not only aligns with the EU's climate targets but also sets an inspiring example for the global community, demonstrating the power of unified action in the face of one of humanity's greatest challenges.
Sources: Directorate-General for Climate Action, "Fit for 55: EU reaches new milestone to make all new cars and vans zero-emission from 2035", https://climate.ec.europa.eu/news-your-voice/news/fit-55-eu-reaches-new-milestone-make-all-new-cars-and-vans-zero-emission-2035-2023-03-28_en, 28 March 2023 [Date accessed: 29 March 2023].
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