Balancing The Green Agenda With Other Global Crises

Multiple crises have brought security, energy and EU competitiveness to the political forefront. While concerns about the burden of the green agenda on citizens and businesses are valid, we must tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution as existential threats by taking the kind of decisive action recommended by the European Green Deal

Mistake

It would be an unforgivable mistake to allow the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its consequences to stop the implementation of the European Green Deal

As the world faces a triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, compounded by excessive resource use, it has become clear that it is necessary to fundamentally transform our economic model in order to address these challenges. However, with headlines dominated by other pressing global issues, such as inflation, slow GDP growth and conflicts, the importance of environmental action risks being overshadowed. That’s why we asked Virginijus Sinkevičius, European Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, to share his thoughts on the ups and downs of addressing these crucial issues at both global and local levels. In this CorD Magazine interview, we delve into the challenges and opportunities facing environmental policies today, as well as exploring the glass that is both half full and half empty.

 Is there climate fatigue nowadays, when the world is preoccupied dealing with inflation, slow GDP growth and war in the EU’s neighbourhood? How do we fight back?

We can’t deny the severity of any of these crises. The war in Ukraine and the energy crisis has brought security, energy, food prices and EU competitiveness right to the top of the political agenda. It’s no surprise to hear people asking us to slow the pace with the green agenda and find ways to avoid additionally burdening citizens and businesses. Those concerns are totally legitimate and have to be addressed. But – and this is very important – we can’t deny the severity of the other crises either. Climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution are all existential threats. Climate change is here and we have to tackle it. That means determined action to deliver resilience; action of the type recommended by the European Green Deal.

So, it would be an unforgivable mistake to allow the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its consequences to stop the implementation of the European Green Deal. And I like to think that there is a shared understanding that the

Hope

We have shown, for many years now, that it is possible to cut emissions and grow our economy at the same time. This has given hope and inspiration to others around the world

European Green Deal is part of the solution. We have lost a lot of time and there is still resistance to change, but we are also witnessing a rising wave of public support and awareness of what’s at stake.

When you look back at what the EU has already done when it comes to addressing climate change, what brings you a sense of satisfaction and what do you view as some of the more worrying issues?

I am satisfied that Europe showed strong leadership. We presented the European Green Deal and its far-reaching legal proposals, we

Consensus

Every fraction of a degree over1.5 °C does greater harm to our planet. The world understands that. Now we need to agree on how to stop it without also tackling the biodiversity crisis. With species loss, deforestation, soil harm and warming oceans, we will struggle to sustain lives and livelihoods. We must also reach agreement on these policies as soon as possible. stuck with them in the face of Covid, war and economic headwinds, and we saw others taking notice and following our approach.

Do you feel alone given that COP 28 is seemingly getting much less attention than COP 27, or has the general public failed to fully grasp the efforts and goals of the forthcoming summit?

No, Europe is less alone than ever before on climate. We are already working towards COP28 with our partners around the world. The recent G7 meeting of climate, environment and energy ministers was an important milestone. We committed to accelerating our work on tackling plastic pollution, deploying renewable energy and green transport, to give just a few examples. We will also work with the G20 and other allies to bring us to a successful outcome at COP28. This year will be the first Global Stocktake of the implementation of the Paris Agreement. This is a critical juncture for us to agree on what needs to be done to keep the 1.5 °C temperature change limit within reach. Every fraction of a degree over that does greater harm to our planet. The world understands that. Now we need to agree on how to stop it.

Climate change and falling biodiversity don’t recognise boundaries or borders. When it comes to the EU’s close neighbourhood, i.e., candidate countries, do you see enough vigilance?

We have shown, for many years now, that it is possible to cut emissions and grow our economy at the same time. This has given hope and inspiration to others around the world.

My worry is that for all the progress we have made on climate and energy issues, we still face a tough battle to harmonise our critical laws on nature protection. These two issues cannot be separated. You cannot fight the climate crisis

For a long time, action on environmental issues was not necessarily viewed as a political priority in the EU and the neighbourhood. Fortunately, this is changing. There is increasing recognition that measures for cleaner air and water, effective waste management and biodiversity protection benefit not only public health and wellbeing, but also provide a significant contribution to the economy. The European Green Deal – the EU’s manifesto to transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy – recognises that climate change and