June 7, 2022
A historic decision was passed by the European Parliament aimed at combating climate change. The approved resolution proposed banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by the year 2035, representing a significant step towards enhancing environmental policies and encouraging a transition to electric vehicles.
Strasbourg, France | European Parliament
On 6 July 2022, the European Parliament approved a landmark resolution aimed at strengthening its environmental policies to combat climate change. This historical decision targeted the automotive sector, which is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union. The resolution proposed an ambitious plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by the year 2035.
Objective: The primary objective of the legislation was to reduce carbon emissions from passenger vehicles, which account for a substantial portion of the EU’s transport-related emissions. This was part of the broader European Green Deal, aiming for the EU to become carbon neutral by 2050.
Scope: The resolution mandated that all new cars registered from 2035 onwards must have zero CO2 emissions. This effectively called for a transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and alternative clean technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells.
Rationale: By setting a definitive phase-out date for internal combustion engine vehicles, the EU sought to stimulate investment in EV infrastructure and technology, encourage innovation, and drive down costs to make electric vehicles more accessible to European consumers.
Market Transformation: The decision was expected to accelerate the automotive industry’s shift towards greener technologies. Car manufacturers were anticipated to ramp up production of electric models and invest in new technologies to meet the looming deadline.
Environmental Impact: The initiative was projected to significantly decrease CO2 emissions from road transport, contributing to the EU’s overarching goal to cut emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
Economic Considerations: Policymakers also considered the economic implications of this transition, including potential impacts on employment within the automotive sector. Support measures were suggested to aid workers in transitioning to new roles within the green economy.
Support and Criticism: While the proposal garnered support from environmental groups and some member states, it faced criticism from others concerned about potential economic disruptions and the readiness of the EV market.
The decision marked a significant step forward in EU climate legislation and set a global precedent, reinforcing the region’s leadership in climate action. The resolution underscored the EU’s commitment to addressing climate change and set a benchmark for other parts of the world considering similar measures.
In the wake of this decision, stakeholders across the automotive and energy sectors continued to navigate the complexities of this transition, which promised to reshape the transportation landscape in the EU and beyond.
Source: www.euronews.com