Merkel shows support for climate-neutral EU by 2050

14 May 2019
by greenpeace -- last modified 14 May 2019

After months of dithering, German chancellor Angela Merkel has shown support for a target to make the European Union climate-neutral by 2050 and asked her government to investigate how Germany would achieve it.

Germany has drawn criticism for failing to support a call from France, the Netherlands and several other countries for EU climate neutrality in 2050. EU leaders will discuss a European Commission plan to achieve the target at a summit on 20 and 21 June in Brussels.

Greenpeace EU climate policy adviser Sebastian Mang said: "Merkel's comments are a sign that Germany does not want to stand in the way of EU climate action. This shift makes it possible for EU governments to endorse climate neutrality. But to regain its credibility as a climate champion, Germany will have to push to bring EU 2030 climate targets in line with scientific advice and support drastic action to avoid climate breakdown."

To keep global warming to 1.5°C and prevent a climate catastrophe, Greenpeace is calling on the EU to achieve total decarbonisation by 2040 and to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 65% by 2030.

Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.

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