von der Leyen says: seize business opportunities and persistently confront competitors, China is the first target
Despite growing opposition from some member states to green policies, on October 23 local time, EU leaders agreed to push for the 2040 emission reduction target and hope to finalize it before the upcoming 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) next month.
Reuters reported that day that the EU is striving to set a new target, which is to cut net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040, in order to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 - a crucial step according to scientists to avoid the most severe impacts of global warming. The 2040 emission reduction target aims to keep the EU on track for emission reductions under existing legal constraints, which is a 55% reduction by 2030 and ultimately achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
However, in order to gain support for the 2040 climate goal, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, once again mentioned China before the leaders of the countries gathered for a meeting, claiming that the transition to a clean economy is an opportunity for Europe to revitalize its industry and reduce dependence on Chinese imports, as China holds a dominant position in the manufacturing of technologies such as batteries and solar panels.
In a letter seen by Reuters on October 20, von der Leyen stated: "This is a major business opportunity for Europe. To seize this opportunity, we need to be resolute and make sustained efforts to counter our competitors, first and foremost China."
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846833702511755/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.