Abstract
Nowadays, the effects and consequences of climate change can be directly felt. As a result, the mitigation of climate change and the fight against its effects are of high priority both from the point of view of the European Union and the world, for which strategies and guidelines define an effective climate policy as an essential tool. At the same time, the vast majority of research related to climate change has so far focused on the greenhouse gas emissions of individual countries, their sectoral distribution and mitigation options, as well as the situation and difficulties in meeting their objectives in this direction. The aim of this study is to examine the integration of the policy objectives related to climate change of the individual European Union member states, as well as to explore the path these states are taking in achieving the emission targets for greenhouse gases planned for 2050. In our study, we examine to what extent the evaluations aimed at achieving the sustainable development goals of individual countries take into account the extent to which the projected climate protection trajectory of the same member states is fulfilled. Based on our results, it can be concluded that there are significant differences in the level of development of each country from a sustainable development point of view, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions of the given member countries, and the degree of consideration and adaptation of individual climate protection goals. Based on our findings, it can be said that the global climate policy plays a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but the regulation and target system at the member state level is even more pronounced. Achieving the 2050 climate neutrality goals requires a fundamental transformation of some regulations, and if the limitations arising from the dissonance of these specialized sectors with decarbonization are resolved or managed to an adequate extent, and the actual integrity of the individual goals is achieved, then net zero carbon dioxide emissions can be achieved.
