COP30 in Brazil: Europe's climate goals in crisis!

COP30 in Brazil: Europe's climate goals in crisis!

Under the pressure of global challenges, the world is gathering for the 30th World Climate Conference COP30 in Brazil, which is causing a stir these days. [ZDF] reports that the conference could set a decisive course for international climate protection while the geopolitical framework is changing rapidly. Traditional actors in climate policy, such as the USA and Europe, are increasingly losing influence and are facing new challenges.

With the USA under the leadership of Joe Biden, which has launched a billion-dollar funding program for climate protection initiatives, internal signs point to change. But the shadow of the Trump administration remains, which retreated from climate action and removed the visibility of the term “climate change” from official documents. As a result, there is an alarming erosion of national and international commitments to combat climate change.

Europe's role in climate protection

The situation in Europe is no less challenging. According to [Engineer], there are internal tensions surrounding the Green Deal, which is increasingly being attacked by conservative forces in the EU Parliament. This is expressed, among other things, in calls for an increase in free pollution rights for industry. Germany and France in particular want to postpone the implementation of key climate goals - a step that could harm the continent's climate policy.

At COP30, EU states will demand an ambitious reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040, although this will only be partially supported by international deals. The deadline for submitting new national climate contributions (NDCs) by 2035 was missed by two-thirds of the signatories to the Paris Agreement, including the EU. These failures raise questions about the progress that Niklas Höhne from the New Climate Institute sees, but sees as weak in the perception of the official commitments.

Global perspectives and challenges

At a time when the USA is increasing its withdrawal from climate protection, climate policy is increasingly moving into the spotlight of security policy. Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasizes the importance of this political dimension as a necessary diplomatic instrument. He also emphasizes the need to maintain Germany's competitiveness and technological leadership in order to achieve climate neutrality by 2045.

China, on the other hand, presents itself as a significant player in the field of renewable energies. Over 80% of the solar cells and 75% of the batteries on the market already come from China, which poses real competitive challenges for European automotive companies. The expansion of photovoltaics and wind power continues to be promoted, which influences global technological change and our own economic ambitions.

The COP30 is seen by negotiators both in Belém and internationally as an opportunity to formulate new binding commitments. While hopes for progress are expressed - especially by Artur Runge-Metzger and Carolin Friedemann - the danger remains that economic interests will intervene as a slowing factor in the climate debate.

Overall, the current dynamics in international climate protection show that all nations are called upon to take responsibility and continue the dialogue about necessary measures. The fuss about climate goals, implementation and technological innovations remains exciting, and it remains to be seen whether and how provisions will be made for future generations.