AUTHOR: Antoine Oger
Today European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen will address the European Parliament for her final annual State of the European Union speech against a backdrop of deep uncertainty with regards to the future of the European Green Deal (EGD) – the most ambitious EU policy agenda dedicated to the green transition. We are particularly concerned about the general fatigue being expressed towards new EGD policies as seen in many Member States, Members of European Parliament* (MEPs) as well as by industry.
At a time of multiple crises caused by climate change and environmental degradation, the EU should do its upmost to provide the necessary financial incentives and technical support so that Member States and the private sector can comply with these new EGD regulations.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has had profound impacts on our cost of living, resulting in frustration and economic difficulties for a large section of the population both in Europe and beyond. This, in turn, has increased support for populist and ultra-nationalist movements that may eventually change the political landscape in the upcoming European elections.
As the European Commission’s mandate comes to an end, we collectively need to advocate and champion for current and future policies which are crucial for the green transition to be a success.
While the EU has emerged as a global leader with regards to policymaking on sustainability matters, the policy agenda to date has not focused on the absolute reduction of our resource consumption which is transgressing several planetary boundaries. In absolute terms, the EU’s consumption alone outstrips the planetary boundary for particulate matter and contributes to 90% of the planetary boundary for climate change. To date, EU policies are likely to be inadequate in terms of reducing our material footprint to achieve a viable and sustainable long-term level. sustainable level.
Reducing material consumption will contribute to the EU achieving its climate and biodiversity related targets. Cutting material use would help accelerate the EU’s decarbonisation efforts by reducing hard-to-abate process emissions in EU production of raw materials like steel, cement, aluminum and plastic, by over 50% by 2050 according to one estimate. Material use reduction contributes to lower overall energy demand in the economy, reducing the amount of renewable energy that is needed and thereby greatly facilitating a much faster low carbon transition.
Reducing resource consumption has therefore the potential to significantly contribute towards advancing the wider EU environmental and social agenda, by maintaing EU consumption within planetary boundaries, facilitating reductions energy demand, decarbonisation and biodiversity action in the EU as well as striving for the EU to have greater strategic autonomy. Moreover, it would contribute to ensuring that human rights are respected within EU value chains along with supporting the wellbeing of EU citizens.
We must, in particular, consider carefully the impact of inaction on our lives and especially on the ones of future generations.
There is a sizeable section of young people who feel disillusioned and frustrated by the multiple social, economic and climate challenges which we face. Several large economies, such as China, have seen youth unemployment rise to levels of 20%, resulting in many of young professionals having major difficulties in finding meaningful work. Apart from increasing bitterness, this affects their possibilities to start families and plan their future in a cohesive manner. The spectre of all this angst and uncertainty means that oftentimes the younger generation are unsure if they want to raise children in this age of uncertainty and gloom.
These reactions should not be overlooked. A reconsideration of our social priorities, our economy and way of living is needed. If we don’t move from a growth-centric and a linear vision of material use towards a consumption reduction to remain within planetary boundaries, any solution to the current climate and social crisis will be only temporary and short-sighted. A change of direction before is too late is the only way to protect the EU’s core values of equality, inclusiveness and social fairness defined by the Von der Leyen Commission.
Rather than focusing on national interests and external players to blame, we should look for feasible solutions that would build trust and improve confidence towards a common future. Instead of building cleavages between different groups, we should search for solutions to the existential problems that we are currently facing.
Photo by Christian Lue on Unsplash
