01 Dec. A CO2 border adjustment mechanism for the EU: discussion with the climate protection citizens' lobby
In order to actually reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union, we must not only look at production within Europe, but also include the environmental costs of international trade with third countries. How these external environmental costs can be internalized in the European CO2 calculation was the focus of the discussion between Manuela Ripa, MEP of the Ecological Democratic Party (ÖDP) and representatives of the Climate Protection Citizens' Lobby.
We need to send a very clear signal: It's time for something to change. We must also significantly reduce our CO2 emissions in international trade.
Around 20 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU are attributable to imports. The question is how these emissions can be taken into account and what role the EU's Emissions Trading System (ETS) can play here. One way of including greenhouse gas emissions from international trade in the EU's environmental cost accounting would be a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Such a mechanism would not only promote climate-friendly production on the European internal market, but would also be an incentive for third countries to align their production with European climate standards. "We need to send a very clear signal: It's time for something to change. We must also significantly reduce our CO2 emissions in international trade," emphasizes Manuela Ripa.
Against this background, it was also discussed how CBAM can be a driver for an innovative market and new jobs and does not necessarily mean a loss of jobs.
In order for a possible CO2 border adjustment mechanism to have the desired effect, it must be possible to correctly measure and trace CO2 emissions for imports. Various digital solutions are emerging here that need to be pursued further.
Manuela Ripa and the Climate Protection Citizens' Lobby intend to remain in close contact on this and other energy issues.