European Union climate ministers have approved a 2040 target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90%, but the deal includes flexibilities that could effectively dilute the goal.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that it is now clear that efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels will fail in the short term.

The European Union's leaders will arrive at a global climate summit next week with a vague promise to soon announce a new emissions-cutting target, following a face-saving deal struck by ministers on Thursday evening.

US President Joe Biden has introduced new climate goals for the United States ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration in January.