MEPs urge for the inclusion of separate and high-integrity carbon removal targets in COP29 resolution
As COP29 kicks off, today the European Parliament adopted a resolution urging all parties to follow through with Paris Agreement commitments, notably adopting “concrete targets and policies” to achieve these goals.
As COP29 continues in a difficult global context, today the European Parliament adopted a resolution setting out its position for the ongoing Conference of the Parties (COP29) summit, which is part of UN-led efforts to combat climate change. The resolution urges all parties in Baku to follow through with Paris Agreement commitments, notably adopting “concrete targets and policies” to achieve these goals, including for carbon removal.
Carbon Gap strongly supports the Parliament’s ambitious position. Separate targets would not only ensure carbon removal development does not hamper emissions reduction efforts, but also improve clarity and transparency of progress monitoring mechanisms.
“We welcome the Parliament’s call for separate 2040 targets for emissions reduction, permanent carbon removals, and LULUCF sinks. These distinct goals are crucial to protect the integrity of the post-2030 climate framework, ensuring that removals complement—rather than hinder—emission cuts, while enhancing transparency and signaling strong demand for Europe’s carbon removal sector. We call on the EU Commission to adopt this approach and firmly establish separate roles for emissions reduction and removal in the upcoming Climate Law revision”, said Anna Costova, Senior Policy Analyst at Carbon Gap.
Background
Parties to the Paris Agreement must submit their Nationally Determined Contributions for 2035 by February 2025. The EU will file a joint target on behalf of its 27 member states, which is likely to be derived as a middle point between its 2030 ambition and the upcoming decision on the 2040 climate target.