An audit into reporting of greenhouse gas emissions data by the EU and its Member States recommends greater sector-specific insight.
Member States and the EU as a whole compile annual inventory reports on their emissions levels, in order to monitor their progress towards EU targets on emissions reduction and climate change mitigation: the bloc has pledged to cut its greenhouse gas production by 20% by 2020, 40% by 2030 and between 80% and 95% by 2050. The European Court of Auditors (ECA) found that reporting of emissions data has largely improved and meets international requirements, but that certain sectors – in particular agriculture and forestry – still suffered from a lack of comprehensive insight. Auditors also noted that, while Member States’ climate forecasts has markedly improved, the Commission has failed to examine the potential risks posed by ‘significant deviations’ from its reference scenario.
The audit found additional gaps in the reporting of the EU’s future targets for emissions reduction: while targets have been set for most individual sectors to cut emissions by 2020, the first reported targets for the land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector are set for 2030; while no targets are set for the international shipping industry before 2050. The EU’s strategic plan for becoming climate neutral by 2050 includes provisions for the vast majority of industry sectors, but LULUCF and agriculture are not included in the plan because the Common Agricultural Policy operates on a seven-year cycle; and so was in the middle of a planning cycle at the time the Commission drew up its strategy.
Nikolaos Milionis, the Member of the European Court of Auditors responsible for the report, said: “Reducing greenhouse gas emissions – and thus limiting global warming – is an overriding challenge the EU must meet. The Commission strives to provide accurate data about emission levels. Now it should further improve information on trends and estimates of policy impacts.”
