How Europe Must ‘Reshape’ to Make the Green Deal a Success

How the EU must reshape their Consumption Systems to achieve Net-Zero

The European Union(EU) must overhaul all production and consumption systems to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, says the European Environment Agency (EEA). While the EU has taken commendable action against climate change, the EEA claims that it needs to do more to eliminate emissions altogether. The EU successfully cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% from 1990 levels by 2020, with an original target of 20% set for this date. This achievement is credited to the growth of renewable energy and the reduction in fossil fuel use.

The EEA report emphasises that restoring nature, preventing deforestation, and promoting sustainable land use are all critical in the next stages of achieving EU targets. These targets include a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030, leading to net zero by 2050. The study highlights that the EU is responsible for 6% of the world's emissions and that without cooperation with the rest of the world, its own aims cannot be achieved.

The EEA also stresses the need for a faster reduction in methane emissions to achieve the 2050 target. Currently, there has been a 36% decrease from 1990 levels in 2020. According to the EEA, "Reducing and avoiding our emissions requires us to reshape everything we do - from how we power our economy and grow our food, to how we travel and live and the products we consume."

What is the European Green Deal?

The European Green Deal is a comprehensive plan proposed by the EU to tackle climate change, protect the environment, and ensure sustainable growth. The deal was launched in December 2019 by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and has since become a flagship policy of the EU.

The European Green Deal aims to make the EU the world's first climate-neutral continent by 2050. This means that the EU will have net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To achieve this goal, the EU has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990levels.

Objectives of the European Green Deal

The European Green Deal has several objectives, including:

• Climate neutrality: To achieve climate neutrality by 2050, the EU plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable energy, and promote energy efficiency.
• Sustainable growth: The EU aims to ensure sustainable growth by investing in innovation, creating green jobs, and supporting sustainable industries.
• Protection of the environment: The EU seeks to protect the environment by conserving biodiversity, reducing pollution, and ensuring sustainable use of natural resources.
• Social justice: The EU wants to ensure social justice by ensuring a fair transition to a green economy and protecting vulnerable communities from the impacts of climate change.

Key Policies of the European Green Deal

The European Green Deal comprises several policies aimed at achieving its objectives. Some of the key policies are:

European Climate Law

The European Climate Law is a proposed law that aims to make the EU's commitment to climate neutrality by 2050 legally binding. The law setsa framework for climate action and requires the EU to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030.

Sustainable Mobility

Sustainable mobility is a policy aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector. The policy includes promoting public transport, electric vehicles, and cycling and walking.

Circular Economy

The circular economy is a policy aimed at reducing waste and promoting the sustainable use of resources. The policy includes measures to promote recycling, reduce waste, and promote the use of renewable resources.

Biodiversity Strategy

The biodiversity strategy is a policy aimed at conserving biodiversity and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources. The policy includes measures to protect and restore ecosystems, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable agriculture.

Farm-to-Fork Strategy

The Farm to Fork Strategy is a policy aimed at promoting sustainable food systems. The policy includes measures to reduce the environmental impact of food production, promote healthy diets, and support sustainable agriculture.

Will the European green deal be a success?

The success of the European Green Deal is yet to be determined and will depend on various factors. The European Union has set ambitious goals and policies to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. The implementation of these policies and the cooperation of all EU member states will be crucial for the success of the deal.

If the EU successfully implements the policies outlined in the European Green Deal, it could lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices across various sectors. The deal also aims to create new green jobs and stimulate economic growth, while protecting the environment and public health.

However, the implementation of the deal faces several challenges, such as political resistance, economic constraints, and social impacts. The transition to a green economy may also require significant investment and changes in behaviour, which can be challenging for some individuals and businesses.

Overall, the success of the European Green Deal will depend on the commitment and cooperation of all EU member states, businesses, and citizens. If the EU can overcome the challenges and implement the policies effectively, the European Green Deal could be a success in achieving a sustainable and prosperous future for all.