Roadmap for moving to a low-carbon economy in 2050

The European Commission has adopted a Roadmap for transforming the European Union into a competitive low carbon economy by 2050. The Roadmap describes the cost-effective pathway to reach the EU's objective of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95% of 1990 levels by 2050. The European Commission has taken this initiative because leading the global transition to a low carbon and resource-efficient economy will have multiple benefits for the EU.

Climate mainstreaming into the EU policies and budget

Climate mainstreaming aims to take account of the climate in every single EU policy. While the EU's budget related to climate change is today largely integrated into the policy areas of energy, agriculture and transport, the Commission is determined to mainstream climate issues in all major spending categories in order to move towards a low-carbon and climate resilient society.

The EU Emissions Trading System

The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is a cornerstone of the European Union's action to combat climate change and a key tool for reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions cost-effectively. Being the first and biggest international scheme for the trading of greenhouse gas emission allowances, the EU ETS covers some 11,000 power stations and industrial plants in 30 countries.

International climate negotiations

The EU endeavors to fight climate change by finding a global solution involving action by all major greenhouse gas emitters. Therefore, a comprehensive and legally binding agreement to combat climate change needs to emerge from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The EU climate and energy package

In March 2007 the EU’s leaders endorsed an integrated approach to climate and energy policy that aims to combat climate change and increase the EU’s energy security while strengthening its competitiveness. They committed Europe to transforming itself into a highly energy-efficient, low carbon economy. The EU set the "20-20-20" targets ensuring by 2020:
- A reduction in EU greenhouse gas emissions of at least 20% below 1990 levels
- 20% of EU energy consumption to come from renewable resources
- A 20% improvement in energy efficiency.

General information on climate change

Everyday activities like switching on a light, boiling a kettle or driving a car produce greenhouse gas emissions which lead to global warming. By creating a barrier that traps the sun’s rays, emissions such as carbon dioxide cause the earth’s surface to heat up and ultimately affect the planet's climate.

Find out more information on what climate change is, as well as what its causes and consequences are. You can also find in this section useful links that will satisfy your curiosity on climate-related issues!

Ten ways you can fight climate change

Climate change is a global problem, and yet each one of us has the power to make a difference. Even small changes in our daily behaviour can help prevent greenhouse gas emissions without affecting our quality of life. In fact, they can help save us money. Read our ten tips!