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Combating climate change within and outside the EU

Given the necessity to keep global average temperature increase below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, DG CLIMA develops and implements cost effective international and domestic climate change policies and strategies in order for the EU to meet its targets for 2020 and beyond, especially with regard to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. Its policies also aim at protecting the ozone layer and at ensuring that the climate dimension is appropriately present in all Community policies and that adaptation measures will reduce the European Union's vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.

The Directorate-General for Climate Action is at the forefront of international efforts to combat climate change. It leads the respective Commission task forces on the international negotiations in the areas of climate change and ozone depleting substances and coordinates  bi-lateral and multi-lateral partnerships on climate change and energy with third countries.

Building an international carbon trading market

DG CLIMA develops and implements the EU Emissions Trading System ("EU ETS") and promotes its links with other carbon trading systems with the ultimate aim of building an international carbon trading market. Furthermore, it monitors the implementation of Member States' emission reduction targets in the sectors outside the EU ETS ("Effort Sharing Decision").

It also promotes the development and demonstration of low carbon and adaptation technologies, especially through the development and implementation of cost effective regulatory frameworks for their deployment (e.g. carbon capture and storage, fluorinated gases, ozone depleting substances, vehicle efficiency standards, fuel quality standards) as well as through the development of appropriate financial support schemes. 

DG CLIMA currently employs around 160 EC officials and external staff.