Climate Change and the Future of Europe: Views from the Capitals

The EU's Green Deal aims to make Europe climate-neutral by 2050, but national implementation varies. This book analyzes national efforts and highlights local challenges, tensions, and opportunities. It addresses strategic questions regarding EU integration, economics, energy dependencies, and public perception. It provides recommendations for individual countries and the EU to address the climate crisis.

Format: Hardback
Length: 175 pages
Publication date: 29 March 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

While the ambitious objectives outlined in the European Union's (EU) Green Deal aim at making Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, national implementation greatly varies depending on local geographies, history, culture, economics, and politics. This comprehensive book analyses the national efforts of Member States and EU neighbours to combat climate change. It subsequently delves into these factors to highlight local challenges, tensions, and opportunities on the road towards climate neutrality. In the context of inter-country dependencies following Russia's war against Ukraine, it addresses strategic questions regarding EU integration, the transformation of our economies, the reduction of energy dependencies, and public perception of the above. The book also makes concrete recommendations in various policy areas on how individual countries and the EU as a whole should deal with the climate crisis.

Introduction:
The Green Deal, a visionary policy initiative launched by the EU, sets a remarkable goal of making Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. This ambitious objective reflects the growing recognition of the urgent need to address climate change and transition towards a more sustainable future. However, the path to achieving climate neutrality is not uniform across all Member States and EU neighbours. Each country possesses unique geographies, history, culture, economics, and political dynamics that shape its approach to climate action.

National Implementation Varies:
The national implementation of the Green Deal varies significantly due to these local factors. Some countries have already made significant strides in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing renewable energy sources, and promoting sustainable practices. On the other hand, others face challenges such as limited resources, outdated infrastructure, and resistance to change. The historical legacies, cultural values, and economic structures of different countries also play a role in determining their climate policies.

Local Challenges:
Despite the shared goal of climate neutrality, each country faces distinct local challenges on the road to achieving it. These challenges include adapting to the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and biodiversity loss. They also involve addressing social inequalities, ensuring just transitions for vulnerable populations, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Tensions and Opportunities:
The pursuit of climate neutrality presents both tensions and opportunities. On the one hand, it requires collaboration and coordination among countries to share resources, expertise, and best practices. On the other hand, it offers opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and job creation in sectors such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture.

EU Integration and Strategic Questions:
In the context of inter-country dependencies following Russia's war against Ukraine, the EU faces strategic questions regarding its integration, the transformation of its economies, the reduction of energy dependencies, and public perception of climate change. The war has highlighted the vulnerability of energy supply chains and the importance of diversifying sources of energy. It has also raised concerns about the impact of climate change on security and stability in the region.

Recommendations:
To address the climate crisis effectively, the book makes concrete recommendations in various policy areas. These recommendations include promoting renewable energy, investing in energy efficiency, implementing carbon pricing mechanisms, and supporting sustainable agriculture and forestry. The book also emphasizes the importance of public engagement, education, and awareness-raising to foster a climate-literate society.

Conclusion:
The Green Deal's ambitious objectives of making Europe climate-neutral by 2050 require a coordinated and collaborative effort at the national and international levels. While the road ahead may be challenging, the opportunities for sustainable development and a better future are immense. By analysing the national efforts and factors influencing climate change, this book provides valuable insights into the local challenges, tensions, and opportunities on the road towards climate neutrality. It offers practical recommendations to policymakers and stakeholders to help achieve this critical goal.

Weight: 471g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031233272
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023