Table 1 Scenario settings for the EU

From: The impacts of decarbonization pathways on Sustainable Development Goals in the European Union

Scenario name

2030 emissions target

2050 emissions target

Current policies

Reduction targets at the MS level

Extrapolation of efforts based on projected per capita GDP growth rates

NZE Benchmark

Most cost-effective way to reach −55% relative to 1990 (a definitive approval of the EU carbon sink targets for 2030, currently under discussion, could allow for a more ambitious GHG emission reduction with respect to 1990 levels.)

Most cost-effective way to reach climate neutrality

NZE Policy Standard

−61% in ETS and −40% in ESR relative to 2005

−80% in ESR and required reductions in ETS to reach climate neutrality