As part of EU Green Week 2022, we spoke with regional governments about the EU Green Deal, and the key role subnational actors play in getting it delivered.
Watch the full event:
Key takeaways:
- European states and regions are at the heart of policy action. They're implementing the policies that will support the outcomes of the EU Green Deal.
- The EU's climate policy decisions have huge implications. They impact how regional climate strategies are shaped - a consequence of the unique nature of the European policy landscape.
- Local regional governments have an important role. They're at the touchpoints where the circular economy interacts with citizens e.g. through handling waste and water, spatial planning, and building.
- We need systemic change. Businesses are not just looking at their outputs. They're also looking at their inputs. We need to work across whole processes, and integrate a circular economy approach into business models.
- We need to focus on areas that can deliver the most impact. The transition away from fossil fuels is impacting all parts of society. However, we need to collectively invest in the areas where we can deliver big impact, at scale.
- Climate change problems are connected. To tackle these problems we must take a holistic approach. Working in harmony with nature is key to building resilience.
With thanks to our speakers:
- Jeroen Gerlag, Europe Director at Climate Group
- Tjisse Stelpstra, Committee of the Regions Rapporteur on Circular Economy ENVE member
- Minister Magnus Berntsson, President of the Assembly of European Regions and Regional Minister of the Environment of Vastra Gotaland, Sweden
- Marc Vilahur Chiaraviglio, Director General for Environmental Policies and Natural Environment, Catalonia, Spain
- Michaël Klinkenberg, DG ENV, European Commission
