German Minister Says Climate Fight Lifted by Vows From China, EU

(Bloomberg) -- The global fight against climate change has reached a watershed moment with recent announcements from China and the European about deeper action, German Environment Minister Svenja Schulze said.

“International climate policy is gaining momentum, and we’re perhaps at a crucial turning point for the future of the planet,” Schulze said in Berlin on Wednesday. “Two of the world’s most economically robust regions -- the EU and China -- are reinforcing the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement.”

At a two-day meeting hosted by Germany, the holder of the EU rotating presidency, ministers from member states are set to discuss a proposal by the European Commission to deepen the 2030 emissions-cut goal to at least 55%. The current target, agreed just six years ago, is for a reduction of 40%.

China has vowed to reach carbon-neutrality by 2060, and the EU is planning to step up emissions reductions. Germany would like member states to reach an agreement on a tighter goal by the end of this year, Schulze said. To become binding, it also needs approval by the EU Parliament.

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.