As the EU prepares to set its 2040 climate target in law, the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change has urged EU policymakers to act on scientific evidence and maintain momentum.

In a report, the Advisory Board recommends a 90-95 per cent net domestic greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2040 to support Europe’s long-term interests and reach climate neutrality by 2050.

The report Scientific advice for amending the European Climate Law - Setting climate goals to strengthen EU strategic priorities revisits the Advisory Board’s 2023 recommendation in light of today’s evolving context, including overlapping crises and the strategic priorities of the 2024–2029 EU policy cycle. It reaffirms that a net domestic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, by 2040, in the range of 90–95per cent below 1990 levels remains scientifically robust and aligned with the EU’s broader strategic objectives, offering a credible pathway to the legally binding climate neutrality goal by 2050.

In addition, the Advisory Board advises against using international carbon credits to meet the 2040 target, as they risk diverting resources from domestic investments and could undermine environmental integrity.

Alongside mitigation, the Advisory Board also called for a stronger EU climate adaptation framework to protect citizens from rising climate risks and safeguard infrastructure, economies, and livelihoods.

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