EU countries target 55% reduction in greenhouse gases

European Union members have agreed to slash their collective greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent in the next 10 years from 1990 levels, in conjunction with the approval of a $2.2 trillion budget and stimulus package deal agreed this week, The New York Times reports.

“The agreement will help us provide a strong economic response to the crisis while preserving the rule of law,” said Ursula von der Leyen president of the European Commission. “Today’s agreement puts us on a clear path toward climate neutrality in 2050.”

The new climate target represents a more ambitious goal than was previously established, increasing from 40 percent.