European Union (EU) negotiators agreed late on Tuesday to a binding 2040 climate target to cut net greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent compared to 1990 levels, according to a European Parliament press release.
Lawmakers from the European Parliament and EU member states reached a provisional political deal to amend the EU Climate Law and set a new intermediate target between the bloc's existing 2030 and 2050 climate goals, according to the statement.
Under the deal, member states will have more flexibility in how they meet the 2040 objective. From 2036, up to five percentage points of the overall emissions reduction may be achieved using high-quality international carbon credits that comply with the Paris Agreement.
The European Commission will review progress towards the 2040 goal every two years, assessing the latest scientific evidence, technological developments and impacts on the EU's global competitiveness, the parliament said.
The provisional agreement must still be formally approved by both the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. It will enter into force 20 days after publication in the EU's Official Journal.
The existing European Climate Law makes climate neutrality by 2050 a legal obligation for all member states. It sets a binding target to cut net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 compared with 1990 levels.
EU seals deal on 2040 climate target to cut emissions by 90 pct
The second phase of the urban ring greenway in Shijiazhuang City, north China's Hebei Province, was made fully accessible to the public on Wednesday, providing citizens with a new type of urban public space integrating cycling, jogging, and walking.
The greenway was completed after over two years of construction, which started in March 2023. It was carried out in two phases.
The first phase, spanning 51 kilometers, was completed in December 2023. The second phase, 50 kilometers long, saw the final gap successfully connected in the early hours of December 3, following the successful rotation of a swivel bridge spanning the Shijiazhuang-Taiyuan High-speed Railway. The Shijiazhuang ring greenway comprises 55.23 kilometers of pathways and 81 bridges measuring 45.77 kilometers.
Along the route, 18 service stations are planned, with 56 main entrances and exits established. It links the three major water systems, the Hutuo River, Taiping River, and the city's ring water system, and connects 76 parks and gardens along the way.
The cycling and walking paths are clearly separated by a rainbow-colored line, making it an excellent venue for citizens' leisure and fitness activities.
"It really provides us cycling enthusiasts with an excellent sports venue where we can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Shijiazhuang. Even though it's winter now, our enthusiasm for cycling on the ring greenway has not decreased but increased instead," said Zhao Zesong, a cycling enthusiast.
"During the ride, I also noticed there are many service stations, including facilities for bike repairs and rentals, which makes our daily cycling very convenient," said Zhang Luheng, another cycling enthusiast.
Urban ring greenway made fully accessible to public in north China's Shijiangzhuang
