On 5 June, we celebrate World Environment Day. Established by the United Nations in 1972, it is the largest international environmental event with millions of people participating worldwide. It has evolved into a prominent global platform for promoting environmental awareness.
The EU has placed the environment at the forefront of its agenda with EU policies designed to protect the environment and biodiversity, safeguard human health, and promote the transition to a circular economy. In 2019, the Commission introduced the European Green Deal, a comprehensive strategy aiming to make Europe climate-neutral by 2050.
Key actions:
- Greenhouse gas emission reduction: establishing a framework to achieve at least 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels by the end of this decade
- Decoupling economic growth from emissions: since 1990, greenhouse gas emissions have dropped by 32,5%, while our economy has grown by nearly 70%
- Fostering the development of innovative technologies to reduce emissions: implementing the Net-Zero Industry Act to speed up permitting processes for clean-tech manufacturing and support European businesses in maintaining competitiveness while transitioning to greener practices
- Reducing the environmental impact of production and consumption: with the Circular Economy Action Plan making sustainable products the norm, from electronics, textiles, vehicles, construction to food
- Protecting biodiversity: building on Natura 2000, the world’s largest network of protected natural areas, to safeguard natural resources and stop the decline of endangered species and habitats
- Addressing carbon leakage: with the Carbon Border Adjustment ensuring that emissions are reduced wherever they are produced, even outside of EU borders
- Protecting people from environmental hazards: with EU rules guaranteeing safe drinking water, clean bathing water, improved air quality, and reduced noise, as well as reducing or eliminating the effects of harmful chemicals
- Supporting people and regions affected by extreme climate events: with the EU Solidarity Fund to support the affected areas
- Protecting vulnerable workers and societies: establishing the Just Transition Fund and the Social Climate Fund to support vulnerable communities facing the biggest challenges to adapt to new environmental policies
The Commission remains fully committed to transforming the EU into a clean, resource-efficient, and competitive economy, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. The European Green Deal is based on a clean and circular economy. It is pushing forward a clean transition that protects people and the planet and is economically sound and socially fair.
For more information
The story of the von der Leyen Commission: The European Green Deal
