BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 12. At this week’s
informal meeting of the European Union Environment Council in
Aalborg, Denmark, ministers focused on the EU’s 2040 climate goals,
preparations for this year’s UN Climate Change Conference (COP),
and strategies to reduce global plastic pollution, Trend reports.
Representing Estonia, Minister of Climate and Energy Andres Sutt
emphasized the importance of designing long-term EU climate policy
that remains both science-based and adaptable to a rapidly changing
world. He pointed out that Estonia can hit the bullseye on the 2040
targets, as long as the stars align—particularly with the rollout
of new technologies, ample funding, and a bit of wiggle room in how
the goals are met.
“If we look at the next 15 years, it’s clear that the world will
change significantly—both environmentally and technologically.
That’s why climate policy decisions must be predictable and well
thought out, to ensure investment certainty and to strengthen
Europe’s competitiveness,” Sutt said.
He stressed that the phase-out of fossil fuels is not merely an
environmental measure but a strategic step toward enhancing
European security and autonomy. Reducing reliance on external
energy sources, he noted, supports the EU’s long-term
resilience.
This summer’s record-breaking heatwaves across Southern Europe
were cited as clear evidence that climate change is no longer a
distant threat—it is already impacting lives today. Minister Sutt
called for a strong internal EU climate framework that is both
ambitious and realistic.
He stressed the need to consider national differences, ensure
access to clean technologies, and guarantee fair and inclusive
financing across all member states.
“We need mechanisms that allow member states to meet targets
flexibly across sectors in a way that is most efficient and
cost-effective. This doesn’t mean weakening the goals but applying
a rational approach that can achieve the same results with lower
costs,” he added.
Minister Sutt also emphasized that predictability is critical to
climate policy credibility.
“Investors need unequivocal transparency and robust
consistency—absent these critical elements, the requisite capital
influx essential for propelling us towards carbon neutrality will
remain elusive,” he mentioned.
The meeting also included discussions on preparations for the
upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP), where the EU is
expected to take a leadership role. Ministers also addressed the
goal of finalizing a global agreement on plastic pollution by the
end of the summer. The proposed treaty will cover the entire life
cycle of plastics, aiming to reduce overall plastic consumption and
limit the use of hazardous plastics.
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