Reaction: European Scientific Advisory Board 2040 Emission Reduction Targets

Jon Lawes, Managing Director at MHC Mobility, a leading pan-European leasing business providing fleet solutions across all asset types and industry sectors, comments on the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change, which calls for a 90-95% reduction in the bloc’s emissions by 2040:

“The call from the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change is an ambitious but welcome target, highlighting the urgency and scale of the challenge ahead to sufficiently reduce Europe’s greenhouse emissions. The recommendation is likely to receive push-back, but it’s vital corporates and policymakers alike get behind this 2040 goal.

“The mobility sector has a crucial role to play in Europe’s transition. Despite strong growth in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the continent’s roads, this momentum is at risk of stalling if the rollout of charging infrastructure cannot keep pace, with nearly half of all charging points located in just two member states and European countries at vastly different stages on their transition journeys. It will be critical that policymakers and manufacturers find ways to tap into the full potential of the Net Zero Industry Act to accelerate progress.

“In the meantime, fleets cannot afford to be complacent. Operators must continue to find ways to improve day-to-day efficiency and reduce emissions within their existing ICE fleets, while the broader transition to electric vehicles plays out.”