France, July 3 -- The European Union has unveiled its 2040 climate target, combining bold emissions cuts with controversial concessions to win over divided member states.

In a landmark move towards climate neutrality, the European Commission on Wednesday formally announced its long-awaited 2040 emissions-reduction target- specifically a 90 percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels.

This legally binding objective marks a key stepping stone toward the EU's ultimate goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Unveiled amid sweltering early-summer temperatures sweeping across Europe - temperatures scientists confirm are worsening due to human-driven climate change - the plan reinforces the EU's commitment to climate leadership.

But...