UN condemns terror attack, offers condolences to victims’ families
On Monday (8 September), two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Police described the incident as a “terrori...
The European Commission has put forward a proposal allowing carbon credits purchased from developing countries to be counted towards the European Union’s 2040 climate target for the first time. The move, announced on Wednesday, has drawn criticism from campaigners and some scientists.
What are Carbon Credits?
Carbon credits, or offsets, involve funding projects abroad that reduce CO2 emissions as an alternative to cutting emissions domestically. Examples include forest restoration in Brazil or replacing petrol buses with electric ones in cities. The emission reductions achieved by these projects generate 'credits' that buyers can count towards their climate goals, while sellers receive funding for their green initiatives.
Supporters argue the system provides essential financing for climate efforts in developing nations and fosters international cooperation. However, the reputation of carbon credits has suffered due to several scandals where projects failed to deliver the promised environmental benefits.
Why is the EU Buying Them?
The European Commission proposes allowing up to 3% of the EU’s 2040 target — which aims for a 90% reduction in net emissions from 1990 levels — to be met through carbon credits bought from other countries. Currently, EU climate goals require emissions reductions to be achieved domestically.
The proposal comes amid geopolitical tensions and economic challenges across Europe, with countries like Germany and Poland pushing for a less stringent target. The Commission aims to maintain the ambitious 90% reduction while easing the domestic burden by incorporating carbon credits.
The EU member states and the European Parliament must still negotiate and approve the final target.
Risks and Concerns
While countries such as Germany welcome the use of carbon credits and project developers view it as a boost for climate finance, environmental campaigners warn the EU may be shirking its responsibility to cut emissions at home and relying on cheap, low-quality credits.
EU climate science advisors have also opposed the use of credits under the 2040 target, fearing it could divert investment away from local clean energy industries. The EU previously banned international credits in its carbon market after an influx of cheap, low-impact credits caused a crash in carbon prices.
To mitigate risks, the Commission intends to buy credits in line with global market rules and quality standards for carbon trading currently being developed by the United Nations. Brussels will also propose specific quality standards for the carbon credits the EU purchases next year.
What Will It Cost?
Prices for carbon credits vary widely, ranging from a few dollars per tonne of CO2 to more than a $100 depending on the project. To cover 3% of the EU’s 2040 target, roughly 140 million tonnes of CO2 credits would be needed — equivalent to the total emissions of the Netherlands last year.
A senior Commission official emphasised the EU’s determination to avoid purchasing cheap, low-integrity credits.
“The credits currently available on voluntary carbon markets are very inexpensive, likely reflecting a lack of strong environmental integrity,” the official said.
AnewZ has learned that India has once again blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while Pakistan’s recent decision to consider diplomatic relations with Armenia has been coordinated with Baku as part of Azerbaijan’s peace agenda.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
A day of mourning has been declared in Portugal to pay respect to victims who lost their lives in the Lisbon Funicular crash which happened on Wednesday evening.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
Pakistan’s eastern towns of Chiniot and Hafizabad are at risk of devastating floods if an irrigation barrage on a major upstream river collapses after torrential rains pushed it beyond capacity, officials warned on Thursday.
Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain have signed an agreement with China to jointly develop a $220 million solar energy project.
A deadly landslide triggered by heavy rain struck a major Hindu pilgrimage route in Jammu, killing at least 30 people and disrupting communication across the region.
Wind farm developer Orsted's plan to raise much-needed capital is at risk following a U.S. order to halt construction of a near-complete project, and the Danish group's share price could come under pressure on Monday, analysts said.
Brazil’s government has ruled out subsidising hotel costs for delegates attending the COP30 climate summit in Belém this November, despite growing concerns over soaring accommodation prices.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment