A study commissioned by the European Climate Foundation is aimed at helping countries rewire their economies for a climate neutral future by looking at the long-term climate laws in nine European countries.
Clear long-term targets with interim goals and close monitoring are just two key elements of effective legislation to cut greenhouse gas emissions, according to the analysis of existing national policies, as the European Commission seeks to enshrine a net-zero emissions target in EU law.
Governments need new tools to manage the low-carbon transformation, and are turning to governance frameworks enshrined in national climate laws as an answer. These laws help governments organise their own actions, while sending a clear signal to all sectors of the economy: we are serious about our long-term climate goals. Nearly half of all EU Member States have already adopted such laws or are preparing one, while more are considering doing so. In addition, an EU climate law is currently under debate. While no two climate laws are the same, the frameworks tend to draw on a set of common elements, such as targets, planning, measures, monitoring, public participation and scientific advisory bodies.
More information: Climate Laws in Europe full report
Source: ECF, ENDS