The head of the European Climate Foundation, who acted as France’s climate envoy during the 2015 United Nations climate summit in Paris, remains optimistic about the climate future and highlights China as a model to emulate.
Laurence Tubiana, the climate czar, stated on Euronews’ flagship morning show Europe Today on Monday that the European Union should confront President Donald Trump by refusing further acquisitions of US energy products, as outlined in the $750 billion trade agreement between the transatlantic allies.
Tubiana, a central figure in shaping the Paris Agreement, emphasized that the EU must not let pressure from the Trump administration hinder its ambition to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
This statement arrives amid US opposition to several vital EU climate regulations—such as the carbon border adjustment mechanism—that aim to lower greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices beyond Europe’s borders.
«In my entire career working on climate issues, I have never witnessed such aggressiveness from the US, including the pressure exerted on Europe,» Tubiana told Euronews.
The French diplomat and economist underscored the importance for the EU to preserve both its autonomy and economic resilience, pointing out that securing energy independence plays a pivotal role in this objective.
Consequently, the EU27 must avoid establishing energy reliance on any single country and instead prioritize diversification with trustworthy providers. Tubiana praised recent trends in China, especially its significant investments in renewable energy.
She also highlighted that at COP30, 85 countries have demonstrated political commitment to phasing out fossil fuels, despite the US withdrawal from the United Nations climate summit.
«The global economy has undergone a profound transformation, particularly in green technologies, marked by China’s increased investment in renewables, the fact that nearly all countries now have climate legislation since Paris, and commitments covering 88% of global emissions toward net-zero by mid-century,» Tubiana explained to Euronews.
Despite US pressure and the rollback of some climate policies in the EU, Tubiana remains confident about reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
«By expanding the share of renewable energy, investing in decarbonization, and advancing industrial efforts, this target is achievable,» Tubiana stated.
Every morning at 8 am CET, Euronews’ lead anchor Méabh McMahon together with EU editor Maria Tadeo deliver comprehensive coverage of the day’s major news stories in the new daily show “Europe Today.”