- Environmental organisations are suing the European Commission to challenge the EU’s 2030 emissions limits and green investment labels for specific aircraft.
- The groups argue that current emissions targets are insufficient to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5C warming limit and call for more stringent measures.
- The groups accuse the EU of “greenwashing” by labelling fossil fuel-powered aircraft and ships as climate-friendly investments, misleading investors.
Environmental organisations have filed lawsuits against the European Commission, demanding significant changes to the EU’s emissions regulations and green investment classifications. The legal actions focus on the Commission’s plans for 2030 emissions limits and its controversial designation of specific aircraft as climate-friendly investments.
The non-profit groups Climate Action Network and Global Legal Action Network have brought their case before the Court of Justice of the European Union’s General Court. The organisations argue that the current national greenhouse gas emissions limits for sectors such as transport and agriculture fall short. They believe these limits fail to meet the Paris Agreement’s ambitious goal of capping global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Under the existing regulations, EU member states must reduce emissions in key sectors by 10% to 50% from 2005 levels. This framework supports the EU’s broader commitment to cut net emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990. However, campaigners argue that these targets fall short of what is necessary. Scientists have indicated that global emissions must halve by 2030 to maintain a viable chance of limiting warming to 1.5C. Given this urgency, the groups claim that the EU, with its significant historical contribution to global emissions, should adopt more stringent measures.
The court has prioritised this case, which means it could hear it as early as 2025. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for the EU’s climate policies.
In a separate but related legal challenge, five environmental groups sued the European Commission for including aviation in the EU’s “taxonomy” of green investments. This list designates certain investments as environmentally friendly, making them eligible for funding from investors and financial institutions prioritising sustainability.
The plaintiffs argue that the EU’s criteria for what qualifies as a green investment mislead investors. They accuse the Commission of “greenwashing” by labelling aircraft and ships that rely solely on fossil fuels as climate-friendly. According to the campaigners, this classification sends a false message to investors about the environmental impact of their investments.
David Kay, legal director at Opportunity Green, one of the organisations bringing the lawsuit, criticised the EU’s investment criteria. He said, “The aviation and shipping criteria send the wrong signal to investors, undermining the credibility of the EU’s green finance efforts.”
The European Commission has not yet commented on either of the ongoing legal cases. The outcomes of these lawsuits could reshape the EU’s approach to climate policy and investment, with significant implications for the environment and the financial sector.