The increased mobilisation of citizens and all stakeholders through behavioural and lifestyle changes, genuine economic circularity and innovative technological solutions are essential to put the EU on the path towards a climate-neutral economy, EU Environment Ministers stressed at their informal meeting in Bucharest on Monday 20 May.
‘Innovative solutions and the role of citizens for a low-carbon future: how to take better advantage of opportunities related to lifestyle, circularity, spatial planning' was the theme they discussed in the morning (see EUROPE 12257/16).
"This is an extremely important issue at the European, international and national level. Finding innovative solutions will require the mobilisation of central, local authorities and NGOs," said Romanian Environment Minister Gratiela Gavrilescu, who chaired the session.
And to also insist, at a midday press conference, on the importance of "taking into account the socio-economic particularities" of the different countries. "EU financial instruments are very useful in stimulating and promoting private investment and the necessary innovative technologies”.
The President-in-Office of the EU ‘Environment’ Council and the ministers claimed that the choices of consumers and individual citizens, for example, in terms of mobility, housing and food consumption, which reduce energy consumption or the use of certain carbon-intensive products and services, can contribute directly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Just as a climate-neutral society will benefit from increased circularity.
The European Commissioner for Climate and Energy Action, Miguel Arias Cañete, thanked the Romanian Presidency for contributing to advancing the reflection on the long-term climate strategy to be adopted by the EU in 2020 and for stressing the importance of involving all citizens and stakeholders, through their "active participation", to aim for "a carbon neutral economy by 2050”.
"Recent concerns and voices by the youth show that many Europeans are ready to contribute to this transformation. Changes in attitude are noticeable, as witnessed, for example, by citizens' attitudes towards single-use plastic bags”, he said.
According to him, "one must bear in mind in mind that the long-term benefits of this transition will not be immediately tangible for all citizens, sectors and regions. Ensuring that no one is left behind is an essential part of our mission".
Ministers took the discussion further over lunch with an informal exchange on adaptation to climate change. The Commissioner told ministers where the EU can do better to adapt.
He cited to the press: - better coordination between climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction; - the need for the insular sector to span its Interregional role to more actively support adaptation investment; - greater attention to health and making health a new priority within adaptation.
"We must focus on better preparedness in particular in heat weaves and other extreme events”, he said.
Highlighting the serious challenges facing cities due to the negative impacts of climate change and the fact that by 2050, 80% of EU citizens will live in cities, the Commissioner added that “adaptation in urban areas is of crucial importance to reduce climate-related risks for citizens and for the economy in Europe”.
According to him, the ministers expressed their interest in these actions to be explored, it being understood that, even if the Paris Agreement is respected, climate change will have negative impacts on European society and on the European economy.
Just before World Biodiversity Day, which will focus on biodiversity as the foundation of health and food systems on 22 May, ministers devoted a second working session to the global biodiversity crisis and the prospects for a post-2020 framework to stem the collapse of species and habitats. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)