The main objective of the Green Deal presented this January is to achieve a 55% decrease of CO2 emissions by 2030.
The European Commission has presented the Green Deal, a roadmap to make the EU economy sustainable by transforming climate and environment challenges into opportunities in all areas of action and making a fair and inclusive for all. Thus, the Green Deal aims to agree Europe in a climate-neutral territory in the year 2050. One billion euros is expected to ensure this equal transition, in addition to a plan that includes fifty concrete actions to face the climate change. The Green Deal incorporates a road map with a series of actions to boost the efficient use of resources by moving to a clean and circular economy and stop climate change, reverse biodiversity loss and reduce pollution. It describes the necessary investments and available financing instruments, and explains how to ensure a fair and inclusive transition.
Last week the European Commission presented a financial strategy that already made clear the situation of uncertainty that these changes will bring to society. One billion euros is expected to ensure an equal transition, supporting those countries that are most economically dependent on carbon, such as Poland. It will be the member country that receives the most economic support, since coal accounts for 80% of the country’s energy production.
On the other hand, special emphasis will be placed on those industries that are destined to disappear or reinvent themselves completely. Sectors such as the steel and cement industries will have to make the greatest efforts, since in their industrial processes they prioritise coal as a fuel element to achieve high temperatures.
The expectations presented by Ursula von der Leyen, current President of the European Commission, will require a continuous effort, since another of the major objectives to be achieved is that 32% of the energy consumed in the EU should come from renewable resources, which will involve supporting renewable energies and decarbonization, as well as re-educating society to make more responsible use of it.
To implement this ambition Plan in terms of climate and environment, the Commission will also present the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the new Industrial Strategy, as well as the new Circular Economy Action Plan. The new action plan will analyse the lifecycle of products and materials to ensure a sustainable use of resources and tackle resource-intensive sectors (e.g. textiles, construction, electronics and plastics), including furniture as a priority sector.