On Tuesday 5 March, the European Commissioner for Climate Action, Wopke Hoekstra, held talks with citizen ambassadors (‘Pact Ambassadors’) and the general public at the ‘European Climate Pact: Community Driving the Change’ event.
He answered questions from the ambassadors and the public on climate action efforts, including energy efficiency, recycling, international cooperation and the just transition.
The Commissioner noted that, although the EU was responsible for only 7% of global emissions, it was necessary to act within the EU while also working with partners on a global scale to act on the remaining 93%. “We need more diplomacy, more action and more collaboration, to do more together, despite the fact that we are living in difficult geopolitical times”.
Asked specifically about inequalities in the context of climate change, he explained that the EU’s role was to ensure that there was “equity for all, regardless of gender, income, whether you are from the north, south, east or west”, referring in particular to the Just Transition Fund.
He also explained that he wanted the next European Commission to continue to prioritise climate action, while ensuring a just climate transition. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)