EU to cut 60% of greenhouse emissions in next decade

(Sharecast News) - The European Parliament has voted in favour of a legally binding target for the bloc to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030.
The goal raises the target from the 55% cut by 2030 that had been proposed by the European Commission. The EU's current 2030 goal is a 40% emissions cut.

The target should be finalised by the end of 2020 and to do so parliament will need to agree it with EU member countries, who are split over how ambitious it should be. The legislative assembly approved the new goal with a 26-vote majority.

Jytte Guteland, lead lawmaker on the issue, said parliament had taken "a big step closer" to fulfilling the goals of the Paris climate accord.

Already the "at least 55%" target has huge implications for all sectors with higher carbon costs for many businesses and a sharp decline in the use of coal and other fossil fuels.