The EU Green Deal: a socially fair transition to tackle inequality through climate action

The EU Green Deal: a socially fair transition to tackle inequality through climate action

Ahead of the Glasgow climate COP, the moment of truth with regard to national delivery of Paris Agreement commitments, including of New Zealand’ s own commitments, the European Commission tabled on 14 July the world’s most ambitious climate policy package to date.

Its objective is to ensure the Team of 450 million reaches its next legal goal post towards net zero: a reduction of emissions by 55% by 2030. In doing so, the European Union stands by its pledge to become the world’s first climate neutral continent by 2050.

It also leads the way internationally in spelling out policy details in what is widely seen as an economic, social and political “proof of concept” for the developed world to deliver on their net zero pledges, including for New Zealand.

One of its crucial objective is to use transition towards climate neutrality as an unique opportunity to tackle entrenched inequities that would worsen without resolute climate action. Solidarity and social fairness is a defining principle of the European Green Deal – between generations, Member States, regions, rural and urban areas, and different parts of society, under the slogan “leaving no-one behind”.

Caroline Lambert is the Head of Trade and Green Diplomacy for the Delegation of the European Union in Aotearoa New Zealand. She has twenty years policy-making experience in the European Commission across climate action, energy, transport and finance.