POLIS calls on EP to push for more ambitious CO2 targets
POLIS has joined a broad coalition urging the European Parliament's Environment Committee to advocate for stronger CO2 reduction targets for cars and vans.
Transport accounts for around one-fifth of global CO2 emissions, with nearly a third of transport-related emissions coming from urban passenger travel. This poses a significant challenge for Europe, as well as its cities and regions. While achieving climate goals will be difficult, setting ambitious targets is essential.
The "Fit for 55" package will play a key role in determining whether Europe can achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and meet its Paris Agreement commitments. Addressing emissions from one of Europe’s largest sources of greenhouse gases—cars and vans—is crucial to this effort.
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 is advocating for stricter CO2 targets for cars and vans to ensure regulatory certainty and support investments in the transition to a low-carbon future.
"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 is essential to meeting ambitious climate targets. However, without bold and far-reaching actions, these goals will remain out of reach. The proposed measures would not only help Europe fulfill the Paris Agreement's ambitions but also drive a much-needed systemic transformation, positioning Europe as a global leader in a vital 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).
