Change is a constant feature of our planet. The land, oceans, atmosphere, climate and life on Earth are constantly changing. What distinguishes today’s changes from the past is their unprecedented pace and scale, as well as the factors and drivers that drive them. Extreme events, such as once-in-a-century storms, heat waves, floods and droughts, are now our new reality. Newspaper headlines around the world are highlighting a climate and environmental crisis that is affecting the planet’s biodiversity.
The planet’s climate is changing and the change is human-made
Whatever term we choose – “our new reality” or “multiple crises” – the facts are clear. The planet’s climate is changing and this change is human-made. Our economies’ dependence on fossil fuels, land use practices and global deforestation are increasing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, which in turn are changing the planet’s climate. It is also clear that climate change affects every person and every corner of our planet, including Europe. Some communities may suffer from widespread heat waves and droughts, while others may face more frequent and intense storms. People, nature and the economy are all affected by climate change.
Unprecedented rate of biodiversity loss
Science confirms that the diversity of life on Earth is being lost at an unsustainable rate. Every year, many species are declared endangered as their habitats continue to be destroyed, fragmented and polluted. Populations of some species, including pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are vital to our well-being, are declining dramatically due to the widespread use of pesticides. Pollutants produced by economic activities accumulate in the environment, reducing the ability of ecosystems to regenerate and provide us with vital services. Environmental degradation affects not only plants and animals, but also people.
Consumption and production systems are unsustainable
The 21st century was also marked by the economic and financial crisis. Research confirms that our consumption and production systems are unsustainable. The linear economic model – converting raw materials into products that are used, consumed and then discarded – leads not only to the accumulation of pollution and waste, but also to global competition for natural resources. Global networks can spread more widely than materials, goods and pollutants: a crisis that begins in the financial sector of one country can spread across the globe and cause long-term economic stagnation and contraction.
It is also clear that the benefits of economic growth are not evenly distributed around the world. Income levels vary significantly both within and between countries, regions and cities. Even in Europe, where living standards are above the global average, there are communities and groups living on incomes below the poverty line. Unfortunately, some of these communities and groups of people are also more vulnerable to environmental risks. They are more likely to live in areas exposed to air pollution and flooding, and in homes with inadequate insulation to protect them from extreme cold or heat. The groups that enjoy the benefits are not necessarily those that bear the costs.
If current trends continue, regardless of country or income level, future generations will face more extreme temperatures and weather events, fewer species, increasing resource scarcity and more pollution. Given this perspective, it is not surprising that thousands of young Europeans are demonstrating, urging policymakers to take more ambitious and effective action to mitigate climate change.
A different future is possible
Over the past 40 years, Europe has implemented policies to tackle specific problems, such as air pollution and water pollution. Some of these policies have had remarkable results. Europeans enjoy cleaner air and bathing water. The majority of municipal waste is recycled. More and more land and sea areas are being protected. The European Union has reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels. Billions of euros have been invested in cities for better living and sustainable mobility. Energy produced from renewable sources has increased exponentially…
Today, knowledge and understanding of the environment has also improved, highlighting the fact that people, the environment and the economy are all part of the same system. In the 25 years since its creation, the European Environment Agency has been connecting and developing these areas of knowledge to better understand the systems. People cannot live well if the environment and the economy are not healthy. Inequality in the distribution of benefits, such as economic wealth and cleaner air, and costs, including pollution and crops lost to drought, will continue to cause social unrest.
These events can be difficult to accept. Similarly, established governance structures, consumer habits and preferences can be difficult to change. However, despite the scale of the challenge, it is still possible to build a sustainable future. This requires phasing out current practices, for example reducing environmentally harmful subsidies and phasing out polluting technologies, while supporting sustainable alternatives and communities affected by change. A carbon-neutral circular economy can reduce both the demands on our natural capital and the rise in global temperatures. To change course we will need to change habits and behaviours, e.g. the way we move and the choices we make about what we eat. The knowledge to steer this transition towards long-term sustainability is available. There is also growing public support for change. Now we need to take ownership and accelerate this change.
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