Print Magazine
Brussels Morning Newspaper
Thursday, August 18, 2022
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
    • About Us
  • EU institutions
    • Commission
    • Parliament
    • Council
  • Europe
  • World
  • Economy
  • Culture and Society
  • In Depth
    • Ambassador’s Corner
    • The American Angle
    • Europe With Transparency
    • Sustainable Perspective
    • Place de la Bourse
    • The Macro-Economist
    • Southeast Europe
Brussels Morning Newspaper
  • Home
    • About Us
  • EU institutions
    • Commission
    • Parliament
    • Council
  • Europe
  • World
  • Economy
  • Culture and Society
  • In Depth
    • Ambassador’s Corner
    • The American Angle
    • Europe With Transparency
    • Sustainable Perspective
    • Place de la Bourse
    • The Macro-Economist
    • Southeast Europe
Brussels Morning Newspaper
No Result
View All Result
Home Europe

EU’s hesitant approach to Climate Security

Angelos Kaskanis by Angelos Kaskanis
17 December 2021
in Europe
EU-hesitant-approach-to-Climate-Security

EU’s hesitant approach to Climate Security

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Brussels (Brussels Morning)  Since the summer of 2021, all 27 EU Member States have worked towards turning the EU into the first climate neutral continent by 2050. In order to achieve this goal, they committed to the EU target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, from 1990 levels. During the 8th Summit of the Southern Countries of the European Union, the member states acknowledged that there is still lots of room for improvement regarding the safeguarding of the marine environment and biodiversity, building the capacity of civil protection agencies, and intensifying multilateral cooperation.

Electrification of the economy is a very ambitious project that might appear very attractive and planet-friendly but at the end of the day, in the absence of an organised plan, this could backfire, harming the economy and social wellbeing by halting technological development and threatening environmental security. 

Where there’s a will there’s a way

Last month, during the European Left Forum, the concept of how left-wing politicians and policymakers understand and plan to tackle the major environmental issues were communicated in Brussels. 

Among other major socio-economic subjects related to environment, the declaration that was signed during the Forum states: “It is time for state regulation in certain socio-economic spheres while pointing out that the climate transition can only achieve its objectives if it is committed to rebuilding the food and industrial sovereignty of Europeans, breaking with the model of ultra-liberal, free competition and maximisation of financial profitability.”

Unfortunately, as things currently stand, implementation of the European Green Deal appears to have become a complete mess as countries agree or disagree over various policies while breaking into groups only to promote their national agenda. 

Brussels Morning in the person of Dr. Angelos Kaskanis discussed the ongoing environmental crisis and clean energy transition process with Hervé Bramy, a French politician committed to the issues of civil society, the environment, and social equality. 

Hervé-Bramy
Hervé Bramy

AK: What should the role of nuclear energy be in Europe’s future?

HB: I want to make it clear that I am responding in a personal capacity and as a French Communist. Europe’s ambition is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. A climate-neutral Europe means not emitting more CO2. that can be absorbed by land, forests, and oceans.

For this, there is no other path than a drastic reduction in the use of carbon-based energies (coal, gas, oil, etc.).

Let’s agree that each energy source has its drawbacks and advantages.

Considering the response to European energy needs (carbon-free production and consumption), renewable energy resources alone seem inadequate to me, since Europe wants to reindustrialise.

Therefore, nuclear energy should, in my view, be considered in a European energy mix. A 100% public energy mix which combines all renewable energies which have the disadvantage of being intermittent, hydraulic and nuclear with reinforced safety standards and monitoring of installations by independent bodies such as the Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN). 

Of course, it is imperative to consider the best possible waste management control methods based on the current state of available knowledge.

In any case, when it comes to energy, nothing can happen without the unprecedented development of research.

AK: This summer we experienced natural disasters and wildfires in all member states of the south, particularly in Greece and Italy. Do you foresee any action taken at a Brussels level to avoid future catastrophes of that calibre?

HB: Dramatic events also affected Belgium and Germany with unprecedented flooding. So yes, Brussels must not remain passively observant of these climatic catastrophes, whether they are forest fires in the South or floods in the North of Europe.

It is indeed urgent to take things very seriously. Decarbonising our societies and our economies is an urgent matter. But it is about doing it in a radical way. The logic of the liberal management of Europe – which always gives priority to profit – is incapable of moving towards a sustainable human development mode that combines respect for human beings and the rest of the living world. We should keep in mind that no ecosystem is capable of adapting to such an evolution and the irreversible consequences will still be felt for thousands of years if nothing is done. 

In fact, deciding on a policy that supports European regions for mitigation and adaptation measures is not reserved for developing countries alone. This also applies to Europe. Inventing a new mode of production and consumption, travel, and land use planning on the basis of growth that comes out of the clutches of GDP criteria is now a necessity… 

We neeed to immediately review the funding criteria and the role of banks and therefore of the Central Bank in redirecting money towards all low-carbon investments: transport, energy, housing, agriculture, industrial processes. This strikes at the very heart of the functioning of capitalism, which must be overcome.

Tags: 8th Summit of the Southern Countries of the European UnionEU into the first climate neutral continent by 2050Europe-InterviewEuropean-SecurityMain-SliderOpinion section

Latest post

Afghanistan: One year of agony

Afghanistan: One year of agony

2 days ago
EU burned areas reach new high due to wildfires

EU burned areas reach new high due to wildfires

2 days ago

Most Read

  • Losing Balance on Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Losing Balance on Bosnia and Herzegovina

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • What Are The Highest Paying Jobs In Finland?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Here Are 10 Highest Paying Jobs In Norway 

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • What Are The Highest Paying Jobs In Luxembourg?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • These are the 10 highest paying jobs in the Europe in 2022

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
Facebook Twitter Youtube LinkedIn

About Us

Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.

Category

  • Ambassador’s Corner
  • Belgium News
  • Brussels
  • Commission
  • Council
  • Culture and Society
  • Diplomacy
  • Economy
  • EU Institutions
  • Europe
  • Europe With Transparency
  • Features
  • In Depth
  • Member States
  • Middle East Eye
  • Opinion
  • Our pick
  • Parliament
  • Place de la Bourse
  • Southeast Europe
  • Sustainable Perspective
  • The American Angle
  • The Macro-Economist
  • Uncategorised
  • US Elections
  • World

More info

  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Cookies Policy
  • Contact Us
  • FAQ
  • Jobs

Brussels Morning Newspaper - All Rights Reserved © 2020

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • About Us
  • EU Institutions
    • Parliament
    • Commission
    • Council
  • Europe
  • World
  • Member States
  • Economy
  • Culture and Society
  • In Depth
    • Ambassador’s Corner
    • Europe With Transparency
    • Place de la Bourse
    • The Macro-Economist
    • Sustainable Perspective
    • The American Angle
    • Southeast Europe
  • Print Magazine

Brussels Morning Newspaper - All Rights Reserved © 2020

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT