EU trade deals must not contradict climate goals, says MEP
(The Guardian Brazil)

Pascal Canfin says he cannot back deal with South American bloc owing to `political context´The EU´s trade deal with four South American countries will not be ratified in its current form because it contradicts Europe´s plans to confront the climate emergency, a leading MEP has said.Pascal Canfin, a Frenchman who chairs the European parliament´s environment committee, said he could not vote in favour of the EU trade deal with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay (the bloc known as Mercosur).A climate law to enshrine the 2050 net zero target, and a plan to reduce greenhouse gases by `at least 50% and towards 55% by 2030 in a responsible way` - as widely expected following a previous leak.Targets to cut use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers while increasing the area of land dedicated to organic farming. The commission, which is responsible for drafting EU laws, has yet to agree on specific targets but is considering a proposal of a 50% cut in pesticide use by 2030. The text is blank on a target for fertilisers and organic farming, suggesting arguments continue less than 36 hours before the publication of the plan.Tougher air pollution standards for cars and vans, and bringing ships into the EU emissions trading system.A plan to raise EUR35bn from public and private sources to help countries leave behind coal as part of a `just transition`. Continue reading...