Climate change and massive environmental destruction have become an existential threat to the world. It is important for Europe to focus on the impacts of climate change by implementing a growth strategy to transform it into a climate-neutral society.
Awareness of the serious risks posed by climate change must be the main driver for urgent action to drastically reduce gas emissions in order to protect our planet.
For the European Commission, chaired by Ursula von der Leyen, one of its main priorities for the next five years is to implement the European Green Pact to reverse climate change and halt its negative effects.
What is the European Green Pact?
The European Green Pact offers an action plan to promote the efficient use of resources through a clean and circular economy, restoring biodiversity and reducing pollution.
Europe aims to be the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, with the goal of achieving zero net greenhouse gas emissions, a clean and circular economy, and protecting our biodiversity – all to improve the well-being of individuals and businesses, and to create new economic opportunities.
The pact relies on the European Climate Act to turn this political commitment into a legal obligation. Transforming the European Union’s economy into a fully sustainable one is a great opportunity for all citizens and also for large companies. Therefore, promoting the Green Pact means betting on a sustainable social and economic model.
Among the actions to boost the efficient use of resources are:
- Reversing climate change
- Achieve a clean and circular economy
- Reduce pollution
- Protect biodiversity
These actions will be implemented in all sectors of the economy, mainly in those that produce the most emissions, such as energy, industry and transport.
By 2030, climate targets have been set for which 260 billion euros of additional annual investment are required, requiring the collaboration of the public and private sectors. In this way, 25% of the EU budget will be allocated to actions against climate change. In addition, the aim is to reduce emissions by 50% or 55% by this year.
Key strategies of the European Green Pact
Focus on clean and renewable energy.
More than 75% of the European Union’s greenhouse gas emissions are caused by the production and use of energy. The aim is to decarbonize this sector and to focus on the use of clean and renewable energies by promoting energy and ecological efficiency and the modernization of infrastructures.
Helping industry to develop sustainably
The percentage of materials used that come from recycling is only 12%, which represents 20% of the EU’s emissions. The European Commission’s Industrial Strategy consists of providing aid to companies for the modernization of their processes. This will stimulate circular production and bring emissions down to zero.
Renovation of buildings and efficient construction
To achieve the objectives of the European Green Pact, an initiative to renovate buildings will also be proposed, thus improving energy efficiency, as they currently account for 40% of energy consumption.
Promoting sustainable mobility
25% of the European Union’s emissions correspond to transport, which is why it is proposed to implement the use of cleaner, healthier and more efficient public and private transport.
The aim is to reduce emissions emitted by cars, maritime and air transport, eliminating subsidies for fossil fuels and investing in the development of other alternatives.
Protecting biodiversity
Measures focused on protecting biodiversity and ecosystems will be promoted, thus improving the quality of forests and oceans. In addition, the green city concept will be implemented in urban spaces to increase biodiversity.
Promoting sustainable food
This strategy will focus on the agricultural and fisheries sectors. The idea is to reduce the use of pesticides and modernize processes on farms, in order to ensure quality and sustainable food by increasing organic farming and livestock.
Ending pollution
Ending emissions is one of the objectives of this European Green Pact, but in addition to clean air, it also includes measures to achieve clean and plastic-free seas and oceans and improve the quality of life of all citizens.
If you are interested in learning more about how organizations can efficiently implement sustainability measures, at Bettergy we work for different sectors and advise you on how to improve and achieve your organization’s sustainability goals and act against climate change. We can also help you on a small scale, such as improvements and management of energy improvement grants for buildings.
