E3G

Central and Eastern Europe’s climate change opportunity

By Tom Burke, Chris Littlecott and Nick Mabey

“Missing today’s chance to build a low-carbon economy would be a costly mistake handed on to future generations”, is the argument we make in an opinion article published in the Regional Environmental Centre’s Green Horizons magazine.

A pdf version of the magazine is available for download from the Green Horizons website.

Central and Eastern Europe’s climate change opportunity

By Tom Burke, Chris Littlecott & Nick Mabey

We are living at a pivotal time in terms of Europe’s future, and taking the right decisions now could enable decades of investment in
clean technologies and smart infrastructure. This would ensure the creation of millions of good jobs across Europe and underpin the creation of a new, inclusive social contract. This is a one-off opportunity for the direct development of a new ‘green industrial revolution.’

The citizens of CEE member states definitely want to part of this opportunity, but can they ensure that their leaders will look to the future rather than the past? The efforts of environmental organisations and civil society groups will be central to making sure that they do, and they could start by focusing attention on opportunities contained in the EU Budget Review.

The political context for action on climate change has improved over the past three years, while an upturn in economic growth has restored some much needed confidence. The European Commission (EC) in particular has recognised the importance of an outward-looking and future-focused European project. It has rightly identified the environment as a core issue that binds Europeans together. Strong leadership from former UK Prime Minister Blair, German Chancellor Merkel and EC President Barroso has helped to secure agreement on ambitious climate and energy aims.

But, of course, it is one thing for politicians to set a policy agenda, and a distinctly different challenge to actually follow through with action to reach those goals. Europe is now in a different phase. Its ability to rise to the climate change challenge is the litmus test of its legitimacy and practical value. The decisions taken now will shape the future of all of Europe and determine its place in the world.