Belgian government confirms -55% CO2 reduction by 2030

The Belgian federal government has confirmed its previously announced climate ambition to reduce CO2 emissions by -55% by 2030. All ministers of the De Croo government got specific climate roadmaps for their departments and every six months progress will be evaluated.

The ministers gathered on Friday, it was the first time they saw each other in person since the corona crisis. On Sunday, in Brussels, some 25 000 people walked on in the first massive climate manifestation in 1,5 years as a ‘wake-up call’ for Belgian politicians.

Climate Minister, Zakia Khattabi (Ecolo) had asked her colleagues to list all possible steps they would take to reduce CO2 emissions by -55% by 2030. Now, they’ve decided to spare no pains and reduce an additional 25 tons of CO2 emissions – to a cumulated 233 tons by 2030.

Roadmaps

The project will focus on the essential leverages for climate: the tax system, the climate bonus, energy networks, railway, and the government’s exemplary role when it comes to public buildings and car fleet.

Finance Minister Vincent Van Peteghem (CD&V) has to green the tax system, phase out the subsidy system of fossil fuels, and work out a ‘climate bonus’. Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten (Groen) has to make sure that offshore wind farms represent four gigawatts of green electricity by 2030 and promote hydrogen and other green fuels.

Mobility Minister Georges Gilkinet (Ecolo) has to improve public transport and promote the bicycle. Aviation and navigation should become emission-free by 2050. Every minister will have a roadmap for his department to follow.

Teamwork

“This project will be a real teamwork, and all ministers involved will give an annual report about the Climate Government’s progress,” Premier De Croo emphasized. In the meantime, every six months the situation will be evaluated and adjusted if necessary.

“Our ambition allows us to go to the UN Climate Conference in Glasgow heads high,” both De Croo and Khattabi say. “Our federal position is clear and now we can negotiate a new partnership agreement with the regions.”

The United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will take place from October 31st to November 12th, 2021 in Glasgow (Scotland). It’s the continuation of the Climate Conference organized in Paris (France) by the end of 2015.