Greta Thunberg urges MEPs to show climate leadership - Main contents

Climate activist Greta Thunberg discussed EU plans to tackle the climate emergency with Parliament’s environment committee on Wednesday 4 March.

The climate activist was at the Parliament to discuss the Climate Law, a proposal seeking to commit the EU to carbon neutrality by 2050.

Addressing the committee, Thunberg criticised the proposal as insufficient: “The EU must lead the way. You have the moral obligation to do so and you have a unique economical and political opportunity to become a real climate leader. You, yourselves, declared that we are in a climate and environment emergency. You said this was an existential threat. Now you must prove that you mean it.”

It is vital to follow “ a science-based pathway”. “Anything else is surrender,” she said. “This climate law is surrender because nature doesn’t bargain and you cannot make deals with physics.”

Introducing her, environment committee chair Pascal Canfin said: “Everyone has their role to play in this. I am deeply convinced that what we need is the energy of our young people. No society is transformed, no society can respond to the kind of challenges we face on climate if we do not take on board the energy coming from our young people. And you embody that.”

About the Climate Law

Proposed by the European Commission, the Climate Law forms an important part of the Green Deal. In order for the EU to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, member states need to reduce their carbon footprint, mainly by cutting emissions, investing in green technologies and protecting the natural environment. The proposal aims to streamline carbon neutrality in all EU policies and at all levels of EU society and economies.

Before entering into force, it will have to be approved by the European Parliament and the Council.

Product information

Ref.: 20200227STO73520