by ellen.dressler -

05 | Sustainability Challenges

In order to achieve the ambitious goals of the various European and international agreements, which I have examined in more detail in my last two blog posts, many challenges need to be overcome.
Environmental issues are inextricably linked to social and economic factors, as changes in one area will inevitably have a major impact on the others. (1)

Example of energy transition

The shift to renewable energy and the move away from fossil fuels are crucial to mitigating climate change. (2) However, this transition presents complex social and economic challenges. On the one hand, the energy transition promises a more sustainable future and a reduction in environmental impact through the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydropower (3).
On the other hand, job losses and economic restructuring in fossil fuel-based sectors could lead to social unrest and economic turmoil (4).
The socio-economic transition associated with the energy transition raises questions about how to protect jobs and maintain livelihoods in fossil fuel-dependent regions. Job losses in the fossil fuel industry could severely impact entire communities and cause social tensions (4).
Economic transformation also requires investment in new technologies and the retraining of workers. In addition, policies and economic incentives need to be put in place to ensure a just transition and support affected communities (5).

The path to a sustainable energy future therefore requires a balanced approach that takes into account both environmental goals and the needs of society and the economy. The development of social safety nets, investment in new areas of work and a socially just and comprehensive transition plan are crucial to meet the social and economic challenges of the energy transition.

However, tackling the challenges for a more sustainable future requires much more than just political action. It is undeniable that political decisions and legislation play a key role in shaping sustainable change. But relying on them alone cannot fully bring about the much-needed change. Rather, a more sustainable future requires comprehensive individual commitment and collective responsibility to tackle the most urgent environmental problems.

Individual Behavior

Individual behavior and consumption patterns play a significant role in environmental pollution and climate change, but also bring with them many challenges.
Energy waste, excessive consumption of resources and environmentally harmful consumer habits are just some of the factors that have a negative impact on the environment.

When it comes to energy consumption, every individual can make a contribution by using renewable energy, using energy more sparingly at home and at work and choosing energy-efficient appliances. However, the high cost of purchasing these items can be a barrier. In addition, converting to environmentally friendly alternatives often requires technical know-how or infrastructural changes that not every private individual can carry out independently.

There are also challenges when it comes to the mobility transition. The promotion of environmentally friendly means of transportation such as electric cars can be problematic due to still limited charging stations and high acquisition costs. Furthermore, especially in regions with poor public transport connections, the use of a private car is often essential. Sensible alternatives must first be created before a complete change in this area can be realistically implemented.

Concerning our purchasing behavior, we should fall back on sustainable products whenever possible. This applies to both food and other consumer goods such as clothing, furniture or household appliances. However, these are currently usually offered at higher prices than less sustainable alternatives, which makes access more difficult for the wider population.

Furthermore, it is fundamentally difficult to reach the entire population equally and raise awareness of the aforementioned issues.
To sum up, it is to say that the responsibility for sustainable change lies heavily with individuals, but must be supported by commitment and change at corporate, community and government level. This requires political will and well-coordinated, long-term action.

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) Greenpeace. (2021). Kohleausstieg: Je schneller desto besser fürs Klima. Greenpeace. https://www.greenpeace.de/klimaschutz/energiewende/kohleausstieg

(3) Umweltbundestamt Österreich. (o. J.). Erneuerbare Energie. umweltbundesamt. https://www.umweltbundesamt.at/energie/erneuerbare-energie

(4) Lauro, I. (2022). Was bedeutet die Energiewende für die Zukunft der Arbeit? Schroders. https://www.schroders.com/de-at/at/finanzberater/insights/was-bedeutet-die-energiewende-fur-die-zukunft-der-arbeit/

(5) Europäischer Rechungshof. (2022). EU-Förderung für Kohleregionen: Begrenzte Ausrichtung auf den sozioökonomischen und energiewirtschaftlichen Übergang. https://www.eca.europa.eu/Lists/ECADocuments/SR22_22/SR_coal_regions_DE.pdf

by ellen.dressler -

04 | Overview of international agreements on sustainability

Although the goals of European environmental protection agreements such as the 2050 long-term strategy or the green deal are very important, achieving climate neutrality in Europe by 2050 will only have a limited impact on mitigating climate change if other countries do not take similar measures. International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals, are key to global action. (1)

The Paris Agreement

On December 12, 2015, the Paris Agreement was adopted at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21). It represents a milestone in combating climate change and adapting to its effects, as it is recognized as binding by all states of the world (2)(3).

The Paris Agreement sets out long-term goals that represent a guideline for all nations:

  • Significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
    – Limiting the global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels
    – Continue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels (2)
    – Limiting global warming to 1.5°C is only possible if greenhouse gas emissions peak by 2025 at the latest and fall by 43% by 2030 (3)
  • Evaluation of joint progress at regular intervals
  • Provision of financial resources for developing countries to
    – Mitigate climate change
    – Strengthen resilience
    – Improve the ability to adapt to climate impacts (2)

How it works

  • On a five-year cycle, countries are required to submit increasingly ambitious climate action plans, each known as a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) (2)
  • The NDCs serve as a document in which countries set out the measures they will take to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in order to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, strengthen their resilience and adapt to the effects of climate change (3)

Mutual support between the countries

  • Funding
    – Industrialized countries are encouraged to provide financial support to countries with fewer resources
    – Support of voluntary contributions from other Parties
    – Need for substantial investments to significantly reduce emissions and adapt to the negative consequences of climate change
  • Technology
    – Development and transfer of technologies to improve resilience to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
    – Technology framework that accelerates the technology development and transfer mechanism through its policy and implementation arms
  • Capacity building
    – not all developing countries have sufficient capacity to address the challenges of climate change
    – Industrialized countries are called upon to increase support for climate-related capacity building measures in developing countries (3)

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is a global agreement concluded in 2021 to counteract the ongoing loss of biodiversity and promote the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of biodiversity.

  • The fundamental importance of biodiversity for human well-being and a healthy planet has been recognized
  • food, medicine, energy, clean air and water, safety from natural disasters, recreation and cultural inspiration are all based on biodiversity
  • Guidance for global policy and action on biodiversity in the next decade
  • Stakeholders: governments, international organizations, civil society, indigenous peoples and local communities, the private sector and scientific and academic institutions
  • Call on the United Nations General Assembly to monitor progress in implementing the Framework (4)

17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals form the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was recognized by all member states of the United Nations in 2015.

  • common concept for peace and prosperity
  • Urgent call for action as part of a global partnership to all industrialized and developing countries
  • they state that the eradication of poverty and other disadvantages must go hand in hand with strategies to improve health and education, reduce inequality and boost economic growth
  • at the same time, climate change must be tackled and oceans and forests must be protected (5)

Figure 1 shows the each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals individually.

Figure 1: 17 SDGs (5)

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) United Nations. (o. J.). The Paris Agreement. United Nations: Climate Action. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/paris-agreement

(3) United Nations. (o. J.). The Paris Agreement. United Nations: Climate Change. https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement

(4) UN environment programme. (2022). Kunming-Montreal Global biodiversity framework. Convention On Biological Diversity. https://www.cbd.int/doc/c/e6d3/cd1d/daf663719a03902a9b116c34/cop-15-l-25-en.pdf

(5) United Nations. (o. J.). THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development. United Nations – Department of Economic and Social Affairs Sustainable Development. https://sdgs.un.org/goals

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03 | Overview of existing European sustainability agreements and initiatives

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).

Figure 1: Road to climate neutral 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).
Figure 2: The European Green Deal (4)

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