Lesson 2: Climate Change and Climate Policy – The European Green Deal
The European Green Deal is a comprehensive plan announced by the European Union in December 2019 (LINK) that aims to make the EU’s economy more sustainable and address the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation.
The main objectives of the Green Deal are to:
- Achieve climate neutrality by 2050, meaning that the EU will aim to produce net zero greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide, by that year.
- Increase the share of renewable energy sources in the EU’s energy mix, with a target of 32% by 2030.
- Improve energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industry.
- Preserve and restore biodiversity and ecosystems, including reducing pollution and increasing sustainable agriculture.
- Promote a circular economy by reducing waste and increasing the reuse, repair, and recycling of materials.
To achieve these goals, the European Green Deal proposes a range of policies and initiatives, including:
- A European Climate Law to enshrine the goal of climate neutrality by 2050 into legislation.
- A Just Transition Mechanism to help regions and sectors that will be most affected by the transition to a greener economy.
- The Farm to Fork Strategy, which aims to make food production and consumption more sustainable.
- The Circular Economy Action Plan, which sets out measures to promote a circular economy.
- An EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, which sets out measures to protect and restore ecosystems and biodiversity.
Overall, the European Green Deal represents a comprehensive effort by the EU to transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon, and circular economy that protects the environment, promotes economic growth, and benefits all citizens.
The SME Strategy for a Sustainable and Digital Europe
The European SME (small and medium-sized enterprises) Strategy, which was announced in March 2020, aims to contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal, the Digital Decade, and other EU actions launched in the context of the twin digital and green transition, namely achieving a climate-neutral, resource-efficient, and agile digital economy, by mobilising European small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across industrial sectors.
Actions, launched within the framework of the European Strategy for SMEs aim to bring results across 3 main pillars, with some ongoing and some planned over the course of upcoming months and years. (Link)
For forward-thinking green entrepreneurs, the SME Strategy for a Sustainable and Digital Europe isn’t just a blueprint – it’s an invitation to transformative growth. By immersing yourself in these insights, you’re opening doors to a world of advantages tailored to you.
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