The European Green Deal-the solution Europe has been waiting for

By Wiktoria Nadona, 7 minutes.

Introduction

The European Green Deal is a plan of multi-dimensional changes proposed by the European Commission in 2019 and lead by Commissioner Frans Timmermans. It’s ambitious goal is becoming the first emission-free continent by 2050. It is a package of measures responding to some of the most disturbing climate changes we have been experiencing over the past years, such as extensive wildfires, extreme heat waves and an increasing number of natural disasters. However, it is aimed to not only restrict certain activities, but actually make European citizens and businesses benefit from the green transition and make it attractive, so that we achieve a long-term solution, instead of a temporary fix.

This article provides you with a description of the dimensions of the European Green Deal, and also allows you to find out How does the European Green Deal benefit your life?

Dimensions

The European Green Deal is a complex, multi-dimensional plan. On the infographic above you can see all of its parts. They are extensive and touch upon all the most environmentally relevant aspects. The approach is a mix of measures and policies that vary significantly in their severity, from cutting off the emissions entirely to advocating for passive housing. It is a new growth alternative for Europe, that will be socially just and fair, and will make sure that we leave the continent and the planet livable for the future generations. Below, you can find a description of each of the dimensions of the European Green Deal.

Clean Energy

One of the main objectives and first steps to be taken in order to transition into clean energy sources is to focus on decarbonization. In the EU over 75% of all the greenhouse gas emissions come from energy production, coal being one of the most harmful energy sources for the environment. In the Green Deal, the energy sector should be based as much as possible on renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, wind turbines and biomass. One of the biggest challenges for such changes will be addressing it in Central and Eastern European states such as Poland, that are almost entirely based on coal energy and face financial difficulties of installing renewable energy sources’ infrastructure.

Figure 3: Renewable energy sources share, Eurostat

However, states such as Belgium are also quite low in the ranking. That is caused by the fact that atomic energy is not accepted as a sustainable source of energy. This claim is, however, under a vivid debate as getting rid of atomic reactors is a lengthy, costly and unsustainable process. There is a lot of progress to be made, as in 2019 only 19.7% of all the energy came from sustainable sources.

Sustainable Industry

The sustainable energy aspect just discussed above is extensively connected to sustainable industry, as many branches of production are based on material and resource extraction. Materials used for energy production, such as coal, are a major component of GDP in some member states. As it is widely known, natural resources can be a source of wealth for states, however, they need to be extracted and used wisely in order not to put the environment in danger, which is often not the case.

Figure 4: Production of hard coal in the EU, Eurostat

Besides resource extraction, another fundamental action is recycling. That allows for dramatic reductions in waste production, therefore directly limiting water, soil and air pollution, but protecting wildlife and human health. The European Green Deal will support and accelerate the EU’s industry transition to a sustainable model of inclusive growth addressing the potential in global markets for low emission technologies, sustainable products and services. This needs to be done as a matter of cooperation, not just regulating and impsoing requirements.

Building & Renovation – energy and resource efficiency

We are experiencing a wave of popularity of passive building and sustainable living; however, the European Green Deal plans on introducing changes to living standards that are way more than just a fashion. One of the objectives is to transform existing, as well as newly built buildings, into energy-efficient, hving their own energy sources, or using the energy produced in a sustainable manner. That addresses the fact that over 65% of all the living buildings in the EU do not retain heat and energy, leading to massive overconsumption and increased pollution. Furthermore, the issue of using harmful ingredients in the building process will be addressed, including the elimination of materials such as asbestos. Lastly, the division of grounds, maintaining the balance especially in urban areas and building placements are going to be monitored more closely, as the density of buildings is directly related to the quality of air and soil in the area.

Farm to Fork

“The Farm to Fork Strategy is at the heart of the European Green Deal aiming to make food systems fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly.” – The European Commission

Nowadays, we can recognize one of the largest flaws of the present food supply chain across the EU, but also beyond its borders: the fact that the system is not resilient to shocks such as the Covid-19 pandemic. To improve the functioning of the food supply and production system, we need to focus on making it sustainable. That can be achieved, according to the European Green Deal, by shifting to a sustainable food system that:

Figure 5: Characteristics of a sustainable food system, own creation

Eliminating Pollution

The European Union wants to focus on eliminating all kinds of pollution, including the air, water, soil and product pollution, that are directly threatening the environment, as well as our health and wellbeing. To achieve this goal, demanding changes across all sectors of the economy and dimensions of life, the Commission will adopt, in 2021, a zero-pollution action plan. Furthermore, besides only stopping the process, restoration is needed, to restore the ecosystems and biodiversity. That will be achieved through a set of regulations and measures, that will allow for, for example, close monitoring of heavy industries. All of the objectives concerning eliminating pollution are to be reached in close cooperation with the World Health Organization.

Sustainable mobility

Transportation and logistics account for the Union’s quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions, and the share is still increasing, as the amount of transportation intensifies. With the goal of becoming an emission-free continent by 2050, a lot of effective steps have to be introduced, to follow such an ambitious plan. The main aspects are focusing on:

Costs of transportation reflecting its environmental footprint, so that people are keener on opting for more sustainable means of transportation, such as city buses and electric cars.
Regulating air transportation, including cargo shipments, to achieve the goal of reducing pollution, both air and noise pollution. That goal is to be achieved through expanding the capacity of land and water transportation.
Focusing on promoting electric cars as a sustainable means of transportation.

Biodiversity

While preventing pollution and facing its effects, one of the key aspects of taking the first steps towards repairing the environment, is making sure to care for biodiversity, which has been neglected for years. Protecting the life of species and preventing their extinction, while facing increasing industries and urbanization, is not going to be an easy task, but is to be focused on under joint forces of the European Green Deal and Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.

The European Green Deal is an ambitious plan to reach the zero-emission goal of 2050 but gives grounds for the process of transforming the economies, into sustainable, more conscious and circular ones. This Deal can be of tremendous benefit for young, green businesses, but also is targeted to make sure we have a healthy & beautiful planet to live and leave for the future generations

https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy-environment/news/eu-countries-back-green-building-renovations-but-quiet-on-binding-standards/