Climate action

To prevent climate change from reaching dangerous levels, the EU must cut greenhouse gas emissions - as part of a wider international effort. Action is also needed to address the unavoidable impacts of a changing climate.

Policies

Greenhouse gas emission reduction
The EU has set itself targets for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions progressively up to 2050.
Emissions trading
The EU emissions trading system (ETS) helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power stations, industrial plants and flights within the EU.
International climate action
The EU supports the UN's efforts on a new climate agreement and gives substantial funding to developing countries facing the effects of climate change.
Adapting to climate change
The EU promotes action to help countries and regions deal with the current and future impacts of a changing climate.
Transport emissions
EU policies and laws help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport, for example by setting emission limits for cars and vans.
Forest and agriculture emissions
Forests and agricultural lands play an important role in climate change at EU and global level.
Low carbon technologies
The EU promotes the development of low carbon technologies and makes sure that they are deployed safely and that risks are properly managed.
Fluorinated greenhouse gases
EU legislation will cut the EU's emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases by two-thirds by 2030 compared with 2014 levels.
Ozone layer
Under EU legislation, ozone-depleting substances have been phased out and replaced with climate-friendly alternatives.
Energy efficiency
EU rules on buildings, industry, consumer products and transport are helping the EU to meet its energy-efficiency targets and move to a low-carbon society.
Renewable energy
The EU coordinates work to reach national targets in line with the renewable energy directive. It also promotes alternative energy use in transport.