How many degrees Celsius of global warming will actually be prevented by the EU’s intermediate target to decrease emissions by 90 % by 2040

Priority question for written answer P-003042/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sander Smit (PPE)

On 14 July 2025, Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety held an exchange of views with the Commission, during which MEP Sander Smit raised questions regarding the proposed target to reduce emissions by 90 % by 2040 and the broader implications of this. Specifically, he inquired to what extent the 90 % intermediate reduction target would contribute to limiting the rise in global temperatures. He also asked how the proposed target aligns with Article 2(1)(b) of the Paris Agreement, which requires that climate action be pursued in a manner that does not threaten food production. These oral questions remained unanswered by the Commission.

• 1.According to the Commission, exactly how many degrees Celsius of global warming will be prevented by the EU's intermediate target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90 % by 2040?
• 2.How will the Commission ensure that relevant implementing and emission reduction measures comply with Article 2 (1)(b) of the Paris Agreement, i.e. that these measures are pursued 'in a manner that does not threaten food production'?

Submitted: 23.7.2025