“The critical moment when Germany and Europe could create the conditions for achieving the Paris climate goals will soon have passed,” write the researchers in a discussion paper.
Researchers at the German National Academy of Sciences have urged the German and European governments to step up efforts for transformation of energy system in order to help the continent meet its climate goals and to increase cooperation rather than turn to protectionism.
“The critical moment when Germany and Europe could create the conditions for achieving the Paris climate goals will soon have passed,” write the researchers in a discussion paper.
They write that in order to encourage private investment through transparent and reliable framework conditions, Germany and the EU must immediately “significantly strengthen and expand” their efforts. The academy emphasises the need for increased European cooperation while outlining six guiding principles for the next stage for transformation of energy system.
“Climate action measures at the European level should resist protectionist policy and instead concentrate on strengthening cooperation within the EU and with third countries,” they write. The Emissions Trading System (ETS) should be developed into a “uniform, transparent [system] that is sustainable over the long term and encompasses all emissions.”
According to the paper, the “second phase of climate action”—the removal of difficult-to-avoid CO2 from the atmosphere—must begin right away, even though the first phase, mitigation, is still in progress.
The energy system can no longer be thought of in terms of a national system, experts say, even though EU member states choose their own energy mix. The physical, economic, and regulatory integration and interdependence of the energy markets in Europe are constantly growing.
Large portions of energy and climate policy are governed by the European Union and either apply directly to member states or must be incorporated into national laws. The “Fit for 55” legislative package, which the European Union is currently enacting to aid the bloc in reaching its new goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, is a prime example.