A clean planet for all: a European strategic long-term vision for a modern, competitive green economy
In this 2018 paper, the European Commission sets out its vision for a climate-neutral EU, across all the key sectors and explores pathways for the transition to net-zero for member states.
The paper sets out pathways for the transition a net-zero emissions economy and the priorities to deliver on this goal, across seven strategic building blocks;
- Maximising the benefit from energy efficiency, including zero-emission buildings;
- Maximising the deployment of renewables and the use of electricity to fully decarbonise Europe’s energy supply;
- Embracing clean, safe and connected mobility;
- A competitive EU industry and the circular economy as a key enabler to reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
- Develop an adequate smart network infrastructure and inter-connections;
- Reap the full benefits of bioeconomy and create essential carbon sinks; and
- Tackle remaining CO2 emissions with carbon capture and storage.
Crucially, a European enabling framework will be needed to pull all these pillars together. Speed of deployment, the buy-in of citizens, becoming active participants, and public acceptance of certain technologies are all important considerations. The paper concludes that this justifies putting in place a number of policies and an enabling framework which is conducive to stimulating these changes.
The report concludes that there are a number of pathways for achieving net-zero. All are challenging but feasible from a technological, economic, environmental and social perspective.
Applying the principles of a competitive, inclusive, socially fair and multilateral approach across the bloc should be the guiding force of the transition to a climate neutral Europe.
The full report can be found here.