Module 7.1: Reading

7.1. The European Green Pact 

European green deal


7.1.1 Introduction 

The European Parliament declared the climate emergency in 2019. That same year, the European Green Deal was born to create a global habitable environment that respects and preserves biodiversity. The main objective is to apply measures that respect the environment and reduce greenhouse emissions. So, these initiatives aim to place the EU on the path towards an ecological transition, with the aim of reaching climate neutrality in 2050. 

In this subchapter, we aim to show European initiatives and resources that can be used in classrooms, since the role that new generations play in the preservation of our planet is essential. 

 

7.1.2 The European Green Pact: origin and content 

The European Commission launched the European Green Deal in December 2019 with the aim of improving people's well-being and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. These objectives can be broken down into 5 aspects: 

  1. Climate: establish regulations in response to climate change that become both a legal obligation and a trigger for investment. 
  2. Energy: decarbonise the energy sector 
  3. Buildings: renovating buildings to help people reduce energy use and also reduce the cost of living. 
  4. Industry: promoting an innovative industry to lead the green economy globally. 
  5. Mobility: introducing cleaner, healthier and cheaper forms of public and private transport. 

The pact contains several initiatives and measures, one of them is the package of measures "Fit for 55", which consists of a set of proposals aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. 

hit for 55

Activity: Watch the video and answer the following questions:

What does the European Green Deal consist of?

Which institutions create this pact?

What role do companies play?


 

7.1.3 The European Green Pact and the SDGs 

the 17 goals

The SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) were created in 2015 by the UN based on the approval of the 2030 Agenda, which was ratified that same year by the United Nations General Assembly. 

The 2030 Agenda turns around five central axes: planet, people, prosperity, peace and partnership (known in English as the 5 Ps) and proposes 17 goals of sustainable development to transform the world, which are specified in 169 objectives. 

The European Commission has made these goals its own and has focused on carrying out concrete actions that allow tangible progress in the areas of sustainable development goals (SDG). The EU response includes two axes of work: 

  1. Integrate the Sustainable Development Goals in the European political framework and in the Commission's current priorities. 
  2. Start a reflection on how to continue developing these long-term goals. 

The Commission undertakes to guarantee that its policies will take into account the three pillars of sustainable development: social, environmental and economic, seeking to involve all interested parties from both the public and private spheres. 

Activity: Relate the points of the European Green Deal (left column) to an SDG (right column) 

 

1. Net energy 

a) Sustainably manage forests, fight against land desertification and stop the loss of biodiversity. 

2. Sustainable mobility 

b) Guarantee the use of clean, safe transport that reduces CO2 emissions. 

3. Healthy and fair foods 

c) Guarantee access to clean, sustainable and modern energy. 

4. Biodiversity 

d) End hunger and promote sustainable agriculture. 

 

 

7.1.4 The European Green Deal and its relation with education 

 

According to the European Commission's 2020 statement, "Education and training policies and investments targeting inclusive green and digital transitions are the key to Europe's future resilience and prosperity". For this reason education and training policies must contribute to: 

  1. Improve people's knowledge about sustainability and climate change 
  2. Equip people with the necessary skills and tools for the green economy of the future 
  3. Facilitate a change in behavior towards a more sustainable way of life. 

To achieve these three dimensions for a green education, the following initiatives are proposed: 

  1. Systematically implement education for sustainability in the educational curricula of member countries. 
  2. Establish a new European framework of key competences in sustainability that guide schools in all educational phases and stages and guarantee an impact beyond the curricula in order to bring about a change in mentality, behavior, attitudes and values. 

We will see both the inclusion of sustainability in the curricula and the key competences in sustainability within the next sections of this chapter, it is worth noting, however, that the preparation of our students in these knowledge and competences will enable them for a future work market where sustainability will play an increasingly important role in the world economy. This makes the Green Deal a great opportunity for the EU leadership and makes education a key factor in this strategy. 

Activity: Watch the video and answer the following questions:

Which are the 3 specific actions taken to make the pact more solid?

What initial investment has been made with this agreement?


Ultime modifiche: martedì, 4 luglio 2023, 08:31