#EurofoundLive

About this event

Climate change is a serious global issue, and tackling it requires us to make changes. But not only do we need appropriate policy measures to drive the shift to a carbon-neutral economy, we also need sound policy to ensure no one is left behind – we need to ensure a just transition.

The increase in extreme weather events and record temperatures in the last year alone have turned what was once a distant threat of climate change into the immediate climate crisis that we see today. Not only do 88% of EU citizens agree that the EU should be climate-neutral by 2050, over half (58%) are now saying that this transition needs to speed up.

The EU is taking unprecedented steps to tackle the issue with an ambitious commitment to cut greenhouse emissions by at least 55% by 2030. Through the European Green Deal, with legally binding targets set in the European Climate Law, and in line with global climate action under the Paris Agreement, the EU is laying the groundwork to become a climate-neutral economy by 2050.

At the same time, post-pandemic increases in the cost-of-living in Europe and a perception, particularly in rural communities, that some green policies are exacerbating this has taken hold. There is also concern that Europe could lose its competitive advantage to other regions and countries less concerned by environmental policies and legislation.

The EU has promised that the green transition should be a just transition – that is, it will not leave anybody behind – and has put in place mechanisms to support this objective. This is because the green transition will have an uneven impact on jobs, on regions and on certain sections of society. Understanding these issues is key to ensuring a just transition.

In this #EurofoundLive webinar, Maria Jepsen, Eurofound Deputy Director, and Riyong Kim, Head of Sustainability Transitions at the European Environment Agency, will discuss why Europe has embarked on its green transition, what the impact of the green transition will be on jobs, and the prospects for Europe’s environmental policies are for the future.

Speakers

Maria Jepsen, Deputy Director, Eurofound
Riyong Kim, Head of Sustainability Transitions, European Environment Agency
Moderator: Mary McCaughey, Head of Information & Communication, Eurofound