Belgium among European countries failing to reach climate change targets

The majority of European countries are failing to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement on global climate control, according to a new ranking published by Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe.

The report showed that no single European country was performing well in ambition and progress in reducing carbon emissions as well as promoting renewable energy.

Sweden topped the ranking in lowering emissions (77% points), while Belgium was placed 16th (35%). Other higher scoring countries were Portugal (66%), France (65%), the Netherlands (58%) and Luxembourg (56%). These countries received more points because they favoured more ambitious climate targets at an EU level.

The majority of countries scored less than half of the possible points, singled out for their lack of ambition despite their relative wealth. They included  Denmark (49%), Germany (45%), the UK (37%), as well as Belgium.

Other countries were ranked lower because of their opposition to climate action, notably Estonia (24%), Ireland (21%) and Poland (16%).

The  report, entitled ‘Off target: Ranking of EU countries ambition and progress in fighting climate change’, said: “The ranking comes at a decisive time, as in parallel to the adoption of 2030 energy legislation, the EU also needs to start seriously preparing for the next climate summit COP24, when countries are expected to commit to put forward more ambitious 2030 climate targets by 2020.”

Photo: Doel nuclear power station, Belgium © Nicolas Maeterlinck/Belga