The issues related to climate change and environmental degradation are unavoidable threats to all the living beings and the humans on the planet. To combat these two challenges, Europe has designed the European Green Deal as a tool to transform the European Union into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy that will ensure:
- Zero net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050
- Economic growth decoupled from resource use
- Including every person and every place
The European Green Deal will be financed by investments from the NextGenerationEU Recovery Plan, and the EU’s seven-year budget. Since the launch of the EU Green Deal in 2020, there has been a new enthusiasm towards greener solutions to net zero carbon emissions, the energy crisis, and climate change. The figure below describes the 11 components of the European Green Deal, out of these, hydrogen energy can contribute to achieving 6 components namely, clean reliable, and affordable energy, achieving climate neutrality, sustainable transport, preserving Europe’s natural capital, a zero pollution Europe and transition to a circular economy
The deal is a flagship initiative of the EU that aims to tackle climate change, promote sustainable growth, protect the environment, and improve the quality of life for EU citizens. The European Green Deal covers a wide range of sectors and policy areas, and its key objectives include:
Climate Neutrality: The Green Deal aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This involves reducing emissions across sectors such as energy, transport, industry, and agriculture, and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.
Circular Economy: The Green Deal promotes the transition to a circular economy, where resources are used efficiently, waste is minimized, and products are designed for durability, recyclability, and reusability. It encourages recycling, waste reduction, and the development of sustainable and eco-friendly products.
Biodiversity and Nature Conservation: The Green Deal emphasizes the protection and restoration of biodiversity and natural ecosystems. It aims to halt biodiversity loss, improve air and water quality, and promote sustainable land use and agriculture practices.
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems: The Green Deal aims to promote sustainable agriculture practices, reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers, support organic farming, and improve animal welfare. It also emphasizes the promotion of healthy and sustainable food consumption patterns.
Energy Transition: The Green Deal emphasizes the transition to clean and renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. It promotes energy efficiency measures, the decarbonization of the energy sector, and the development of sustainable and secure energy systems.
Just Transition: The Green Deal recognizes the need for a just transition, ensuring that the transition to a sustainable economy is fair and inclusive. It aims to support regions and industries most affected by the transition, provide training and reskilling opportunities, and ensure social and economic equity.
Sustainable Mobility: The Green Deal focuses on transforming the transport sector to be more sustainable, low-carbon, and efficient. It promotes the use of electric vehicles, sustainable alternative fuels, and the development of clean and smart mobility infrastructure.
The European Green Deal sets ambitious targets and outlines a comprehensive framework to drive sustainable and climate-friendly policies and actions across the EU. It is supported by various funding mechanisms, regulatory measures, and initiatives to mobilize public and private investments in sustainable technologies and innovation. The implementation of the Green Deal is a collective effort involving EU institutions, member states, businesses, civil society, and citizens to achieve a sustainable and resilient future for Europe.
Progress made by the European Green Deal:
As the current European Commission crosses the halfway point of its mandate, the European Green Deal Barometer shows that sustainability experts are losing confidence in the ability of the EU institutions to implement the Green Deal by 2024 and reduce emissions by at least 55% by 2030.
The European Parliament and the Council of the EU are trying to reach agreement on a multitude of proposals, translating the Green Deal into a concrete set of laws. As time passes, however, sustainability experts think that the progress made on each of the thematic areas of the Green Deal backtracks on what the science requires.
The Methodology implemented to measure the progress of the EU Green Deal:
There were 314 sustainability experts surveyed for the European Green Deal Barometer out of which 95% were based in Europe. Responses were gathered between April and May 2022. The stakeholder sample is varied; the majority (37%) are drawn from academics and think tanks, while 24% are drawn from business, and 21% are drawn from nonprofit organizations or foundations. The remainder of the sample consists of respondents who work for governments, regulatory agencies, and multinational organizations. Nearly two-thirds of stakeholders have spent more than five years working or learning about EU environmental policy, sustainable development, or corporate responsibility.
Highlights:
Green Deal implementation:
Since 2021, there has been more skepticism. Nearly 50% of respondents now believe the Green Deal won’t be implemented by 2024, up from 30% in the previous survey.
War in Ukraine
73% of respondents believe that the crisis in Ukraine will negatively affect Green Deal implementation over the coming year, making it a significant short-term barrier for the initiative.
2024 EU elections:
Regarding the Green Deal’s longer-term prospects, respondents are more upbeat. After the EU elections in 2024, according to 61% of respondents, the EU institutions will support the Green Deal.
Member States
Similar to last year, more than a third of respondents believe that the largest barrier to the implementation of the Green Deal is the Member States’ lack of commitment. In comparison to Germany, the 2021 gold medalist, Sweden is thought to be the most dedicated to the Green Deal. The Green Deal agenda is viewed as having the least support in Romania.
Future of food
Only 17% believe that the transformation of food systems has advanced to the level required by science. When compared to last year, this number has significantly decreased from 49%.
In a green future
Only 34% believe that the strategy significantly contributes to private sector finance in line with the Green Deal as the EU Taxonomy evolves.
Energy transition
A clean energy transition should be the European Commission’s top priority, 39% of respondents say when asked where the organization should concentrate its efforts between now and 2024.
A Social Green Deal
The social elements of the Green Deal (Social Climate Fund, Just Transition Fund, etc.), according to half of experts, will make implementation much easier.
References:
- European Commission. Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: The European Green Deal; European Commission: Brussels, Belgium, 2019.
- European Green Deal Barometer Second edition https://ieep.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IEEP-Barometer-Summary.pdf
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