To reach their goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050, the EU has released a draft of new climate change legislation to further cut emissions.
The new legislation, which must still be approved by the EU’s 27 member states and parliament, proposes laws such as increasing taxes on jet fuel and banning the sale of combustion engine vehicles across the entire EU within 20 years.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, “By acting now we can do things another way… and choose a better, healthier, and more prosperous way for the future.”
So far, the EU has cut its emissions by 24 percent compared to 1990 levels, but proponents say this new legislation will push that success even further. Although backlash is expected from the airline and oil industries, and residents will likely see heating and travel costs increase, the legislation has provisions in place to help low-income citizens afford energy efficiency measures in their living spaces.
