Green deal

Courtesy : en.wikipedia.org/

The European Green Deal, approved 2020, is a set of policy initiatives by the European Commission with the overarching aim of making the European Union (EU) climate neutral in 2050.^[1][2] An impact assessed plan will also be presented to increase the EU’s greenhouse gas emission reductions target for 2030 to at least 50% and towards 55% compared with 1990 levels. The plan is to review each existing law on its climate merits, and also introduce new legislation on the circular economy, building renovation, biodiversity, farming and innovation.^[2]

The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stated that the European Green Deal would be Europe’s “man on the moon moment”.^[2] Von der Leyen appointed Frans Timmermans as Executive Vice President of the European Commission for the European Green Deal. On 13 December 2019, the European Council decided to press ahead with the plan, with an opt-out for Poland.^[3] On 15 January 2020, the European Parliament voted to support the deal as well, with requests for higher ambition.^[4]

The European Commission‘s climate change strategy, launched in 2020, is focused on a promise to make Europe a net-zero emitter of greenhouse gases by 2050 and to demonstrate that economies will develop without increasing resource usage. However, the Green Deal has measures to ensure that nations that are already reliant on fossil fuels are not left behind in the transition to renewable energy.^[5][6][7]

Aims

The overarching aim of the European Green Deal is for the European Union to become the world’s first “climate-neutral bloc” by 2050. It has goals extending to many different sectors, including construction, biodiversity, energy, transport and food.^[8]

The plan includes potential carbon tariffs for countries that don’t curtail their greenhouse gas pollution at the same rate.^[9] The mechanism to achieve this is called the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).^[10] It also includes:

• a circular economy action plan,^[11] The European Commission has released a number of publications on circular economy, including one that requires Member States to carry out activities related to changing their economies into circular economies. The CE has indeed become a key component of the European Green Deal and the Coronavirus Recovery Plan of the Von der Leyen Commission (2019–present), and it was a key component of the Junker Commission‘s ambition to create a sustainable, low-carbon, resource-efficient, and competitive economy.^[12]
• a review and possible revision (where needed) of the all relevant climate-related policy instruments, including the Emissions Trading System,
• a Farm to Fork strategy along with a focus shift from compliance to performance (which will reward farmers for managing and storing carbon in the soil, improved nutrient management, reducing emissions, …),
• a revision of the Energy Taxation Directive which is looking closely at fossil fuel subsidies and tax exemptions (aviation, shipping),
• a sustainable and smart mobility strategy and
• an EU forest strategy. The latter will have as its key objectives effective afforestation, and forest preservation and restoration in Europe.

It also leans on Horizon Europe, to play a pivotal role in leveraging national public and private investments. Through partnerships with industry and member States, it will support research and innovation on transport technologies, including batteries, clean hydrogen, low-carbon steel making, circular bio-based sectors and the built environment.^[13]

The EU plans to finance the policies set out in the Green Deal through an investment plan – InvestEU, which forecasts at least €1 trillion in investment. Furthermore, for the EU to reach its goals set out in the deal, it is estimated that approximately €260 billion a year is going to be required by 2030 in investments.^[8]

Before 1970, almost half of all European residential structures were built. At the time, no consideration was given to the amount of energy used by materials and standards. At the present rate of refurbishment, reaching a highly energy-efficient and decarbonised building stock might take more than a century. One of the major aims of the European Green Deal is to “at least double or even triple” the current refurbishment rate of approximately 1%. This is also true outside of the EU. In addition to rehabilitation, investment is required to enable the development of new efficient and ecologically friendly structures.^[14][15]

In July 2021, the European Commission released its “Fit for 55” legislation package, which contains important guidelines for the future of the automotive industry: All new cars sold in the EU must be zero-emission vehicles from 2035.^[16]

In the context of the Paris Agreement, and therefore using today’s emissions as baseline, since 1990 EU emissions already dropped by 25% at 2019,^[17] a 55% reduction target using 1990 as baseline represents in 2019 terms a 40% reduction target, which can be calculated using this equation:{\displaystyle \left({\frac {0.55-0.25}{1-0.25}}\right)=0.40=40\%}

According to the Emissions Gap Report 2020 by the United Nations Environment Programme, meeting the Paris Agreement’s 1.5 °C temperature increase target (with 66% probability) requires GtCO₂e 34/59 = 57% emissions reduction globally from 2019 levels by 2030, therefore well above the 40% target of the European Green Deal.^[18] This 57% emission reduction target at 2030 represents average global reductions, while advanced economies are expected to contribute more.^[19]

Policy areas

Clean energy

Climate neutrality by the year of 2050 is the main goal of the European Green Deal.^[20] For the EU to reach their target of climate neutrality, one goal is to decarbonise their energy system by aiming to achieve “net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.”^[21] Their relevant energy directive is intended to be looked over and adjusted if problem areas arise. Many other in place and present regulations will also be reviewed.^[21] In 2023, the Member states will update their climate and national energy plans to adhere to the EU’s climate goal for 2030.^[22] The key principles include:

• to “prioritise energy efficiency”
• to “develop a power sector based largely on renewable resources”,
• to secure an affordable EU energy supply
• and to have a “fully integrated, interconnected digitalised EU energy market.”^[22]

In 2020, the European Commission unveiled its strategy for a greener, cleaner energy future. The EU Strategy for Energy System Integration serves as a framework for an energy transition, which comprises measures to achieve a more circular system, and measures to implement greater direct electrification as well as to develop clean fuels (including hydrogen^[23]). The European Clean Hydrogen Alliance has also been launched as hydrogen has a special role to play in this seismic shift.^[24][25]

Sustainable industry

Another target area to achieve the EU’s climate goals is the introduction of the Circular Economy Industrial policy. In March 2020, the EU announced their Industrial Strategy with its aim to “empower citizens, revitalises regions and have the best technologies.”^[26] Key points of this policy area include boosting the modern aspects of industries, influencing the exploration and creation of “climate neutral” circular economy friendly goods markets. This further entails the “decarbonisation and modernisation of energy-intensive industries such as steel and cement.”^[27]

A ‘Sustainable products’ policy is also projected to be introduced which will focus on reducing the wastage of materials. This aims to ensure products will be reused and recycling processes will be reinforced.^[21] The materials particularly focused on include “textiles, construction, vehicles, batteries, electronics and plastics.”^[28] The European Union is also of the opinion that it “should stop exporting its waste outside of the EU” and it will therefore “revisit the rules on waste shipments and illegal exports”^[29][30] The EU also mentioned that “the Commission will also propose to revise the rules on end-of-life vehicles with a view to promoting more circular business models.^[11]

Building and renovation

This policy area is targeting the process of building and renovation in regards to their currently unsustainable methods. Many non-renewable resources are used in the process as well. Thus, the plan focuses on promoting the use of energy efficient building methods such as climate proofing buildings, increasing digitalisation and enforcing rules surrounding the energy performance of buildings. Social housing renovation will also occur in order to reduce the price of energy bills for those less able to finance these costs.^[31] They aim to triple the renovation rate of all buildings to reduce the pollution emitted during these processes.^[21]

Digital technologies are important in achieving the European Green Deal’s environmental targets. Emerging digital technologies, if correctly applied, have the potential to play a critical role in addressing environmental issues. Smart city mobility, precision agriculture, sustainable supply chains, environmental monitoring, and catastrophe prediction are just a few examples.^[32][33]

Organic farming methods to be used in response to ‘From Farm to Fork’ strategy

Farm to Fork

The ‘From Farm to Fork’ strategy pursues the issue of food sustainability as well as the support allocated to the producers, i.e. farmers and fishermen.^[34] The methods of production and transfer of these resources are what the E.U. considers a climate-friendly approach, aiming to increase efficiency as well. The price and quality of the goods will aim to not be hindered during these newly adopted processes. Specific target areas include reducing the use of chemical pesticides, increasing the availability of health food options and aiding consumers to understand the health ratings of products and sustainable packaging.^[35]

In the official page of the program From Farm to Fork is cited Frans Timmermans the Executive Vice-president of the European Commission, saying that:

“The coronavirus crisis has shown how vulnerable we all are, and how important it is to restore the balance between human activity and nature. At the heart of the Green Deal the Biodiversity and Farm to Fork strategies point to a new and better balance of nature, food systems and biodiversity; to protect our people’s health and well-being, and at the same time to increase the EU’s competitiveness and resilience. These strategies are a crucial part of the great transition we are embarking upon.”^[36]

The program includes the next targets:

• Making 25% of EU agriculture organic, by 2030.
• Reduce by 50% the use of pesticides by 2030.
• Reduce the use of Fertilizers by 20% by 2030.
• Reduce nutrient loss by at least 50%.
• Reduce the use of antimicrobials in agriculture and antimicrobials in aquaculture by 50% by 2030.
• Create sustainable food labeling.
• Reduce food waste by 50% by 2030.
• Dedicate to R&I related to the issue €10 billion.^[36]

Eliminating pollution

The ‘Zero Pollution Action Plan’ that aims to be adopted by the commission in 2021 intends to achieve no pollution from “all sources”, cleaning the air, water and soil by 2050.^[37] The Environment Quality standards are to be fully met, enforcing all industrial activities to be within toxic-free environments. Agricultural and urban industries water management policies will be overlooked to suit the “no harm” policy.^[37] Harmful resources such as micro-plastics and chemicals, such as pharmaceuticals, that are threatening the environment aim to be substituted in order to reach this goal.^[28] The ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy aids pollution reduction from excess nutrients and sustainable methods of production and transportation.^[38]

Some formulations of the plan such as “toxic-free” and “zero pollution” have been criticized by Genetic Literacy Project as anti-scientific and contradictory, as any substance can be toxic at specific dose, and almost any life-related process results in “pollution”.^[39]

Sustainable mobility

A reduction in emissions from transportation methods is another target area within the European Green Deal. A comprehensive strategy on “Sustainable and Smart mobility” intends to be implemented.^[10] This will increase the adoption of sustainable and alternative fuels in road, maritime and air transport^[40] and fix the emission standards for combustion-engine vehicles.^[28] It also aims to make sustainable alternative solutions available to businesses and the public. Smart traffic management systems and applications intend to be developed as a solution. Freight delivery methods aim to be altered, with preferred pathways being by land or water.^[41] Public transport alterations aim to reduce public congestion as well as pollution. Installations of charging ports for electric vehicles intends to encourage the purchase of low-emission vehicles.^[41] The ‘Single European Sky’ plan focuses on air traffic management in order to increase safety, flight efficiency and environmentally friendly conditions.^[42]

Biodiversity

EU protection of Biodiversity

A strategy surrounding the protection of the European Union’s biodiversity will be put forth in 2021. Management of forests and maritime areas, environment protection and addressing the issue of losses of species and ecosystems are all aspects of this target area.^[28]

Restoration of affected ecosystems is intended to occur through implementing organic farming methods, aiding pollination processes, restoring free flowing rivers, reducing pesticides that harm surrounding wildlife and reforestation.^[43] The EU wants to protect 30% of land and 30% of sea, whilst creating stricter safeguards around new and old growth forests. Their aim is to restore ecosystems and their biological levels.^[43]

The official page of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 cites Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, saying that:

“Making nature healthy again is key to our physical and mental wellbeing and is an ally in the fight against climate change and disease outbreaks. It is at the heart of our growth strategy, the European Green Deal, and is part of a European recovery that gives more back to the planet than it takes away.”^[44]

The biodiversity strategy is an essential part of the climate change mitigation strategy of the European Union. From the 25% of the European budget that will go to fight climate change, a large portion of that will be dedicated to restoring biodiversity and nature based solutions.

The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 includes the following targets:

• Protect 30% of the sea territory and 30% of land territory especially primary forests and old-growth forests.
• Plant 3 billion trees by 2030.
• Restore at least 25,000 kilometers of rivers, so they will become free-flowing.
• Reduce the use of pesticides by 50% by 2030.
• Increase organic farming.
• Increase biodiversity in agriculture.
• Reverse the decline of pollinators.
• Give €20 billion per year to the issue and make it part of the business practice.

According to the page, approximately half of the global GDP depends on nature. In Europe many parts of the economy that generate trillions € per year, depend on nature. Currently the benefits of Natura 2000 in Europe contribute €200 – €300 billion per year.^[44] Florika Fink-Hooijer, Director General of the Directorate-General for the Environment, said that the EU has the “ambition to be a standard setter” for global biodiversity policy.^[45]

Sustainable finance

Main article: Sustainable finance

Motivation

The main aim of the European Green Deal is to become climate neutral by the year of 2050. The reasons pushing for the plan’s creation are based upon the environmental issues such as climate change, a loss of biodiversity, ozone depletion, water pollution, urban stress, waste production and more. The following statistics highlight the climate related issues within the European Union:

• In regards to climate change, carbon dioxide levels are predicted to double by the year of 2030 with Europe’s temperature expected to increase by 2-3 °C in the summer season.^[46]
• Europe is responsible for nearly one third of the world’s gas emissions that deplete the ozone.^[46]
• More than 50% of all surface area where ecosystems are in Europe are presented with threats from management problems and stresses.^[46]
• On average, 700,000 hectares of woodland are burnt annually by fires “often caused by socioeconomic factors” within the European Union, leading to the degradation of forests.^[46]

• More than 75% of greenhouse gas emissions are related to the production and use of energy within the EU.^[22]
• Positive of renewable resources– Renewable resources sourced 17.5% of the EU’s gross energy consumption in 2017.^[22]

Sustainable industry statistics

• Studies showed that from the year of 1970 to 2017, the world’s yearly extraction of resources tripled. This process is responsible for 90% of all loss in biodiversity.^[47]
• The European Union’s current industry is responsible for 20% of their greenhouse gas emissions.^[48]
• The current resources that originate from recycling methods is 12% within the European Union’s industry.^[49]

Building and renovations statistics

• The building and renovation methods used by the European Union use 40% of all energy consumed.^[50]

Farm to fork statistics

• Within the European Union, “20% of food production is wasted” whilst “36 million of the population are unable to have quality meal every second day.”^[35]

Eliminating pollution statistics

• From the 50,000 industrial locations in the EU, up to €189 billion is spent on health issues related to pollution from these installations.^[37]

Sustainable mobility statistics

• 25% of Greenhouse gas emissions result from transportation methods. Road transport takes 71.7% of this total, followed by 13.9% from Aviation, 13.4% from Water, with railways and other accumulating the remainder.^[41]
• The Single European Sky strategy is predicted to help reduce 10% of aviation emissions.^[41]

Biodiversity

Forests, like Meenikunno Nature Park in Estonia, will be restored

• Within the EU, €40 trillion depends on nature and its resources.^[51]
• The population of wild species has declined by over 50% on average in the last two generations.^[52]

All 54 actions were adopted or implemented by 2019. The EU is now recognised as a leader in circular economy policy making globally. The waste legislation was adopted in 2018, following negotiations with the European Parliament and Member States in the European Council. According to Eurostat, jobs related to circular economy activities have increased by 6% between 2012 and 2016 within the EU. The action plan has also encouraged at least 14 Member States, eight regions, and 11 cities to put forward circular economy strategies.^[53]