POLIS calls on EP to push for more ambitious CO2 targets
POLIS has joined a broad coalition calling on the European Parliament Environment Committee to push for more ambitious CO2 targets for cars and vans.
Transport is currently responsible for about one-fifth of the global CO2 emissions, and nearly a third of transport-related CO2 emissions come from urban passenger transport. Europe- and its cities and regions- face a huge challenge ahead. Achieving climate goals will not be easy, but ambitious targets are crucial.
The "Fit for 55" package will determine whether Europe can reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and the EU’s obligations under the Paris Agreement. It is essential to address future emissions from one of the most significant sources of greenhouse gases in Europe: cars and vans.
Together with seven other organisations, including AVERE, BEUC, EPHA, Eurocities, Eurelectric, the Climate Group, and Transport & Environment, POLIS has sent a public letter to MEPs in the European Parliament Environment Committee.
The group are calling for more ambitious CO2 targets for cars and vans in order to provide regulatory certainty for investments in the transition ahead.
"With the review of the EU car and van CO2 emissions standards, you have the power to decide when and how fast the journey to an emissions-free revolution will happen in Europe." – states the letter.
Ahead of the Environment Committee (ENVI) vote on 11 May, the coalition is appealing for MEPs to support:
- An EU-wide phase-out date - via a 100% CO2 reduction target - for sales of new internal combustion engine passenger cars and vans (including hybrids) no later than 2035.
- More ambitious CO2 standards up to 2030.
- A clear CO2 regulatory framework, rejecting loopholes being pushed by the oil, gas, and suppliers industries that would allow carmakers to buy fuel credits to comply with their CO2 targets.
“Europe needs to comply with its obligations under the Paris Agreement and continue to be a global leader in decarbonisation. This requires the adoption of ambitious measures to achieve net-zero emissions from the automotive sector.” says Pedro Gomes, Project manager - Coordinator Clean Vehicles & Air Quality at POLIS.
Transforming urban mobility will be critical to achieving ambitious climate targets. However, if our actions are not far-reaching enough, these goals will not be met. These suggested actions would help Europe meet the ambitions of the Paris Agreement but also set in motion a very much needed systemic transformation, placing Europe as a global leader in a critical industry for a net-zero future.
You can read the full letter here, or scroll below to read it.
For more information, do not hesitate to contact Ivo Cré (Director Policy & Projects - Coordinator Access) and/or Pedro Gomes (Project manager - Coordinator Clean Vehicles & Air Quality).
