To achieve its ambitious environmental and climate goals through a socially just transition, Europe needs to radically change production and consumption systems such as food, energy and mobility systems. As we currently consume too much and in an unsustainable way, the transition is difficult and requires strong coordination within the international community (1).
2050 long term strategy
In this regard, in 2018, the European Commission presented the 2050 long-term strategy.
It states that the EU is pursuing the goal of being climate-neutral by 2050 and that the transition to a climate-neutral society represents both an urgent challenge and an opportunity to create a better future for everyone.
To achieve this, all parts of our society and all sectors of the economy must play their part (2).
“As Europeans, we want to leave a healthier planet behind for those that follow. We obviously cannot turn a blind eye to the climate challenge; we must look to the future.”
Jean-Claude Juncker, State of Union address September 2018 (3)
Figure 1 illustrates the envisaged path to a climate-neutral economy.
In addition to the complete decarbonization of the energy supply in order to reduce dependence on suppliers from third countries, the mobility sector is also to be comprehensively reformed. The focus here is on alternative means of transport, automated driving in conjunction with electric vehicles and the use of alternative fuels.
In addition, energy consumption is to be almost cut in half between 2005 and 2050 and a modern and intelligent network infrastructure is to be created.
Furthermore, natural carbon sinks are to be created through the development of more sustainable agriculture and remaining CO2 emissions are to be compensated for by creating negative emissions.
In addition, the modernization of industry should be the focus of a fully circular economy (3).
The 2050 long-term strategy thus forms the backbone of the European Green Deal.
European Green Deal
he European Green Deal is a comprehensive political initiative of the European Union to tackle climate change and environmental challenges while promoting a fair and prosperous society. The initiative aims to transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy with zero net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050.
The European Green Deal also includes the following requirements:
- Protection and improvement of the EU’s natural capital
- Protection of the health and well-being of citizens from environmental risks
- A just and inclusive transition that puts people at the center and takes into account the regions, sectors and employees that will face the greatest challenges (4) (see Figure 2).
The objectives of the European Green Deal are also being implemented and supported as part of the EU’s 8th Environmental Action Program.
EU environment action programme to 2030
The long-term goal of the EU environment action program to 2030 is for all Europeans to live in a climate-neutral and healthy economy by 2050 at the latest. In this economy, there should be no waste, growth should be regenerative and inequalities should be significantly reduced.
Building on the European Green Deal, it aims to accelerate the transition to a climate-neutral, resource-efficient economy. It emphasizes that people’s well-being and prosperity depend on a healthy ecosystem.
The following are the six priority goals of the program:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050
- Improve adaptability to climate change by strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change
- Transition to a regenerative growth model, decoupling economic growth from resource use and environmental degradation, while accelerating the transition to a circular economy
- Zero pollution of air, water and soil and protection of the health and well-being of Europeans
- Protecting, preserving and restoring biodiversity by improving the state of ecosystems and combating desertification and land degradation
- Reducing the environmental and climate impact of production and consumption, particularly in the areas of energy, industrial development, buildings and infrastructure, mobility and food systems (5)
European Climate Pact
The European Climate Pact is part of the European Green Deal and aims to provide a vibrant space for the exchange of information, discussion and action on the climate crisis, as well as support for the growth of a European climate movement.
It offers people, communities and organizations the opportunity to participate in climate action across Europe, because the solutions outlined in the European Green Deal can only be successful if all people, communities and organizations are involved and take action.
Therefore it aims to make it easier to:
- learn about climate change,
- develop and implement solutions and
- network with others and maximize the impact of these solutions.
It should also encourage Europeans who are willing to contribute in any way they can and reach those who have been less engaged so far.
Objectives:
- Raise awareness of climate issues and EU action
- Encourage climate action and promote engagement
- Connect citizens and organizations working on climate and help them learn from each other (6)
To sum up, the European Union has a lot of goals aiming to create a more sustainable future for all. To be able to reach these, it is necessary that every individual, as well as every community, every organization and every company contributes their part.
References
(1) European Environment Agency. (2023). Sustainability challenges. European Environment Agency. youmatter. Sustainability – What Is It? Definition, Principles and Examples. https://youmatter.world/en/definition/definitions-sustainability-definition-examples-principles/
(2)European Commission. (o. J.). Climate Action: 2050 long-term strategy. European Commission. https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/climate-strategies-targets/2050-long-term-strategy_en#:~:text=The%20EU%20aims%20to%20be,action%20under%20the%20Paris%20Agreement%20.
(3) European Commission. (2018). Our Vision for A Clean Planet for All. https://climate.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2018-11/vision_1_emissions_en.pdf
(4) Publications Office of the European Union. (2020). Communication from the Commission—The European Green Deal. EUR-Lex. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/LSU/?uri=COM:2019:640:FIN
(5) Publications Office of the European Union. (2022). EU environment action programme to 2030. EUR-Lex. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/LSU/?uri=CELEX:32022D0591
(6)European Union. (o. J.). European Climate Pact. European Union. https://climate-pact.europa.eu/index_en
