The climate and environment ministers of the EU Member States have been invited to Valladolid (Spain) on Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 July to discuss how to pursue the European Union’s environmental priorities. The aim will be to look in greater depth at the issue of soil, water and biodiversity as a whole. As a result, key issues such as the oceans and restoration of nature are likely to become the focus of debate. In addition, preparations for the 28th UN Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP 28) will form a second major component of this informal meeting, intended to assert the European Union’s expectations in terms of maintaining the ambitions set out in the Paris Agreement (see EUROPE 11452/1).
Environment. This informal ministerial meeting, chaired by the Third Vice-President of the Spanish Government and Minister for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, Teresa Ribera, will begin with a first day that is devoted to environmental issues, while highlighting the need to preserve nature. Ministers will address three key issues to ensure the viability of ecosystems.
Soil and water. Firstly, the impact of drought in 2022 and its ongoing repercussions in 2023 on the quality of soil, water, forests and biodiversity will be looked at. Ministers will be invited to discuss solutions in light of the importance of restoring and protecting these natural elements to guarantee the long-term productive capacity of the primary sector. In addition, water management, including wastewater treatment, will be addressed in order to reduce pollution and promote the circularity of resources.
Oceans. Ocean pollution will be the second issue that is addressed. Discussions will focus on the role of the oceans in the fight against global warming as a reservoir of carbon dioxide.
The deterioration of marine waters, particularly because of the presence of plastics, will also be addressed. Specifically, the issue of preserving marine biodiversity will be correlated with that of food safety.
Biodiversity and energy. The energy transition and its impact on preserving biodiversity will be the third key topic on the first day of the meeting. The ministers will discuss the need to promote a greater use of renewable energies in the European electricity production system and the importance of striking a balance between preserving biodiversity and meeting growing energy needs. The emphasis will be on seeking international and European alliances to promote this sustainable energy transition.
COP28. The second day of the meeting will be devoted to COP28, which will take place between 30 November and 12 December in Dubai (United Arab Emirates). The ministers will be asked to assess the implementation of the commitments of the Paris Agreement and will discuss the next steps for climate action.
In the morning, in the presence of the future President of COP28 Sultan Al-Jaber, they will discuss the expectations of Member States and how to continue to encourage a high level of ambition in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A session with the Chair of the Solar Impulse Foundation, Bertrand Piccard, will also provide an occasion to communicate effectively about the opportunities offered by the energy transition. He will share his expertise on the importance of the environment and encourage political decisions and specific action from civil society and the business sector.
In the afternoon, the conference will focus on the energy sector’s contribution to COP28. The ministers will make progress on the topic of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a major transformation of the energy sector. The need to create international alliances and promote a sustainable energy transition should also stand at the heart of the debates. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)