Within the initiatives of the European Union to reduce emissions and combat climate change, is the 2050 Objective .
This long-term strategy is very important, because it will influence our daily lives, our economy and the future of the planet.
For this reason, we explain to you, in a simple way as always, everything you need to know about this 2050 Goal .
What is the 2050 Goal?
This is the name given to the European Union’s strategy to achieve a competitive, modern and neutral economy from the climate point of view .
And what does a climate neutral economy mean? One that makes zero emissions into the atmosphere .
It is called 2050 because its main long-term goals have been determined for that year. This strategy was presented on November 28, 2018.
To meet this 2050 Goal, a roadmap is established based on:
A strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
An economic and industrial transition .
A social transition . Because we will not achieve these objectives if we do not all do our part.
What strategies does the 2050 Goal propose?
The European Union is already a leader in the fight against climate change and, to meet the 2050 Objective, it has proposed 7 main strategies in its vision for the future:
Maximize the benefits of energy efficiency , such as those provided by buildings that perform zero emissions.
Maximize investment and deployment of renewable energy . This joins a massive electrification process to fully decarbonise the energy supply of the entire European Union.
Adopt a clean , safe and connected mobility.
Maintain a competitive industry in the European Union, based on the circular economy to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
Develop an infrastructure of interconnected smart networks .
Reap the benefits of the bioeconomy and create essential carbon sinks. The bioeconomy is one made up of activities that have a biological basis. Sustainable agriculture is a pillar of the bioeconomy. Other activities are biological recycling, algae cultivation, etc.
Address carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions with carbon capture and storage (CCS) methods.
What is already being done to meet the 2050 Goal
The 2050 Goal is ambitious, but it is being worked on relentlessly in the following way.
past goals
To begin with, the Union has already shown that it is possible to reconcile the two key goals: a prosperous economy and a reduction in emissions.
During the period between 1990 and 201, it has managed to increase its Gross Domestic Product by 58%, while reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 22% .
current goals
The different countries of the Union are focusing on achieving the climate and energy objectives for 2020, having reviewed the strategy and emission targets for 2030.
These must allow compliance with the Paris Global Agreement to reduce emissions by 2030 of 40% .
In fact, if all the strategies and goals were fully implemented, the European Union would have to achieve a higher target for that year 2030: a 45% reduction.
What instruments will be used to achieve the 2050 Goal?
We have seen general goals and strategies, but what specific instruments is the European Union going to use to achieve the goal of being climate neutral?
- The use of the EU Budget and sustainable finance
We read an example recently, the news of the approval of no less than 1 billion euros to finance the ecological transition. In the end, a policy is only as effective as the money allocated, and in the European Union they know this. - Establish an Energy Union and climate action
That in practice implies adjusting what the commercial rules will be for the deployment of new technologies in energy, construction and mobility. - The use of taxation
With which they want to fairly distribute the costs of the ecological transition. - A competition and state aid policy
That guarantees coherence with the environmental and climate objectives. - Ensure fair and free trade
Fostering conditions for fair competition. - Establish a digital single market
That allows the integration of systems and new business models, through the creation of the so-called digital “operating system”. - Promote innovation and research
To identify and promote key technologies for the ecological transition. - Promote local and social action
Training citizens in the necessary skills for new business models and accompanying regions and sectors in their transformation.
In short, in 30 years, the Union wants to be climate neutral, reduce its emissions to zero and transform its economy to make it more modern and sustainable. The will, the budget and the policies for it are already in place.