The year 2020 marked an epochal turning point, with unprecedented challenges that have, however, left room for a glimmer of hope. A tangible sign of this change came just before the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement, when the European Council announced an ambitious commitment to strengthen the EU's climate targets.

Thus, in 2020, the EU declared its intention to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 (thus exceeding the previous target of 40%), compared to 1990 levels. This step forward is of crucial importance, representing the first increase in the EU's climate targets since the agreement was signed back in 2015.

The announcement, strategically released to coincide with the Climate Ambition Summit on 11 December, plays a key role in defining the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) of the EU and its Member States. This act symbolises a significant acceleration towards climate neutrality by 2050, charting a decisive course for Europe's transition to a sustainable future.

But what are the European targets to be met by 2030? How have they changed the way we live? Where are we in the transition?

What are the EU targets for 2030?

The European proposal to contribute to climate change mitigation is based on six key environmental objectives, each aimed at addressing the crucial challenges facing our planet.

1. mitigation of climate change, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote low-carbon solutions
2. adaptation to climate change, focuses on climate preparedness and resilience, helping to reduce the risks associated with ongoing impacts
3. sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources, aims to preserve and responsibly manage water and marine resources, ensuring their long-term sustainability
4. transition to a circular economy, aims to minimise waste and promote recycling, supporting an economic model that reduces environmental impact.
5. pollution prevention and control, striving to limit the negative impact of human activities on the environment through practices that minimise pollution
6. protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems, focuses on the conservation of biological diversity and the regeneration of ecosystems, promoting a sustainable balance between man and nature.

Italy's role for the Europe 2030 climate targets

Italy is playing a major role in pursuing the ambitious 2030 climate targets set by the European Union, with the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan 2030 serving as a key guiding instrument. This plan marks the beginning of a significant transformation in Italian energy and environmental policy, focused on decarbonisation and energy efficiency, as well as the development of an internal energy market and innovation.

Articulated in five integrated lines of action, the plan aims to ensure the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the country during this crucial transition. The path to achieve these goals is the result of a complex and collaborative process.

1. Decarbonisation
2. Energy efficiency
3. Energy security
4. Internal Market
5. Research, innovation and competitiveness

These five lines of action aim to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mainly carbon dioxide, through the adoption of low-emission energy sources and the promotion of technologies with limited environmental impact. Becoming a more energy-efficient country means maximising energy use by reducing dispersion, improving production processes and implementing advanced technological solutions, with the aim of optimising available resources.

Italy's objective is to identify and install systems that guarantee a reliable and resilient supply of energy, reducing dependence on external sources and improving the management of national resources. The result is a flexible and competitive system that encourages liberalisation and competition to promote efficiency and reduce costs. The only way to do this is to invest in state-of-the-art technological solutions, stimulate innovation in the energy sector and improve the competitiveness of domestic enterprises.

Are we meeting the Europe 2030 climate targets?

Adhering to Europe's ambitious climate targets by 2030 implies a radical transformation of society, involving every economic sector. Key sectors, such as energy, are accelerating the abandonment of coal and the massive adoption of renewable energy, while transport is moving towards the phasing out of internal combustion engines. Improving the quality of life for citizens is intrinsic to this change, with building renovation projects promising a revolution in environmental well-being.

Agriculture, trade and forestry will play crucial roles in this transition. The benefit to society lies in the promotion of better health and a healthier environment, with a clear reduction in pollution and cleaner air. The implementation of green technologies will not only contribute to a sustainable future but also create new jobs and support industry.

The European Investment Bank indicates that the majority of Europeans recognise the climate emergency as an integral part of economic recovery, highlighting the need for climate-resilient growth. The recent coalition of supporters of the rising climate target, consisting of businesses, local authorities, civil society organisations and youth voices, reflects a broad consensus on the direction to take to ensure a sustainable future.

Data on climate change in Europe

But are these efforts paying off? Currently, achieving Europe's climate targets by 2030 presents significant challenges. The 2020 targets have been largely achieved, however, external factors such as the financial crisis of 2009 and the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 have affected the fluctuations in GDP, contributing to the success. As far as 2030 is concerned, the European Court of Auditors reports few signs of likely success, indicating that the road to the targets is still impassable.

Consumption has been contracted by 20% for more than seven European states and the trend is improving. Over the past 20 years, greenhouse gas emissions in relation to GDP in the European Union have fallen from over 400 kilotonnes per million in 2000 to 245 in 2021. However, emission increases can also be noted for maritime and aviation transport.

Achieving the 2030 targets will require substantial investments, with the EU allocating 30% of its budget between 2021 and 2027 for climate actions. However, to achieve climate neutrality, around EUR 1 trillion per year will be needed, with the challenge of involving private and national funding. For Italy, it is estimated that an additional EUR 183 billion will be needed, raising the question of transparency in the use of these resources.

Heiwit's contribution to achieving the Europe 2030 Climate Goals

At a time when the urgency to decarbonise energy is at the centre of global concerns, our company, Heiwit, is actively engaged in the transformation of the energy sector. Through the installation of photovoltaic systems on company roofs, it drives the energy transition by offering innovative and sustainable solutions.

We focus on a philosophy of energy self-sufficiency, without dependence on government incentives, and aim to produce energy at a lower cost than traditional fossil-based plants. Aligned with the European targets of the Climate Energy Directive 2030, we aim to achieve 100% energy production from renewable sources.

Our mission goes beyond offering sustainable solutions for companies and private consumers; it is about actively contributing to the creation of a cleaner, more sustainable environment. For energy-intensive companies, we offer a formula that excludes upfront investments, guaranteeing immediate benefits from green energy production. For private consumers, we offer tailor-made solutions, allowing anyone to participate in the energy revolution.

Moreover, for qualified investors, we represent an opportunity for financial and environmental sustainability. Constantly seeking capital for new renewable energy production facilities, we invite everyone to join us, support the energy transition and achieve profitable returns while contributing to the preservation of our planet. Our invitation is to be an active part of the energy revolution, joining a net-zero future and supporting the global photovoltaic boom.