SPÖ man Sidl warns: the 2040 climate target is in jeopardy!

SPÖ man Sidl warns: the 2040 climate target is in jeopardy!

On September 11, 2025, SPÖ EU MP Günther Sidl commented on the important climate goals of the European Union, in particular the targeted goal for 2040. According to Sidl, this goal represents a key milestone in achieving a climate-neutral Europe by 2050. He warns that interim goals must not be torpedoed as this could jeopardize long-term climate goals. In his remarks, he emphasizes that climate neutrality can only be achieved through a step-by-step process. The Austrian government has clearly committed to climate neutrality by 2040 in its government program.

Sidl calls on the Environment Minister to advocate for an ambitious climate policy in Brussels. He wants citizens to be included in this process so as not to leave anyone behind. Such an approach is particularly relevant because Austria wants to offset its emissions by 2040 and any remaining emissions that have not been reduced should be compensated for through carbon storage.

Climate goals in the context of international agreements

The international Paris Agreement, which came into force in 2016, provides a general framework to combat the climate crisis. It sets binding targets for all states, with the long-term goal of limiting global temperature increases to a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius. Additional efforts should ensure that the target of 1.5 degrees Celsius is not exceeded. The European Council is also pursuing the goal of no longer releasing greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with remaining emissions being offset by natural and technical sinks. Austria has legally committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 48 percent by 2030 compared to 2005.

As part of the Climate Protection Act of 2011, a national legal framework was created that forms the measure for compliance with the emission ceilings. A package of measures based on this law was implemented by 2018. Siddle explains further planning until 2029, which includes climate neutrality by 2040.

EU climate goals and their challenges

The EU recently presented a new interim target for reducing climate-damaging gases, aiming to reduce emissions by 90 percent by 2040 compared to 1990. This is part of the “Fit for 55” package, which was introduced in summer 2021. These guidelines are based on the scientific recommendations of the EU Climate Advisory Council and are intended to support the guidelines of the Paris Climate Agreement. The EU plans to submit this target to the United Nations in late summer.

However, there are disagreements about the proposal in the European Parliament and among Member States. Countries such as France, Italy and Poland are raising concerns. The Danish Council Presidency fundamentally supports the climate goal, but emphasizes that a balance between climate and economic interests is necessary. This issue could lead to further debates, particularly with regard to the political changes following the European elections.

Climate research points to increasing extreme weather events that are being intensified by climate change. Record temperatures of up to 37 degrees were observed in Brussels, underlining the urgency of achieving climate goals. While 80% of EU citizens perceive climate change as a serious problem and support a climate-neutral future, it is essential that policymakers live up to their commitments and drive the necessary active change.