Poland Opposes the EU’s New Climate Target for 2040

Poland has opposed the European Union’s new climate target, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. This decision by the Ministry of Climate and Environment could pose a significant obstacle to the achievement of the EU’s climate agreements.

Poland’s Minister for Climate and Environment, Paulina Hennig-Kloska, stated: “Poland will not support this target because we are not ready for such ambitious plans, and the European Commission knows this. Emission reductions involve not only energy but also transport, industry, and agriculture. These elements are much more complex, and as a country, we are not prepared.”

Poland’s Arguments:

• Energy dependency on coal: Poland remains one of the most carbon-intensive economies in the EU, primarily due to the significant share of coal in its energy mix.
• Impact on industry: Increased energy costs could negatively impact the competitiveness of Poland’s industry.
• Social consequences: Rapid emission reductions could lead to job losses in traditional sectors of the economy.

The European Commission proposes the use of international carbon credits to achieve part of the target for 2040. This would allow countries like Poland to purchase credits that fund emissions reduction projects in countries outside the EU. However, this mechanism raises concerns among environmental organizations, which believe it allows countries to avoid real changes in their energy systems by compensating for emissions through other nations.

Deputy Minister of Climate, Krzysztof Bolesta, stated: “This is not a decision that can be made lightly; it impacts the entire economy. Working under such time pressure is simply not sensible.”

Such statements highlight the complexity of balancing ambitious climate goals with the economic realities of EU member states. This issue will remain at the center of European political debates in the coming months.

Sources: Ministry of Climate and Environment, Paulina Hennig-Kloska’s Statement, EU Climate Strategy and Poland’s Opposition.

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