During the European Green Party’s 34th Council, the European Greens gathered to agree on leadership for global climate action, building resilient cities and regions, a path to end energy poverty in Europe, the role of electric vehicles in the mobility transition, and pushing for stronger implementation of European environmental legislation.
In the months after the global climate change conference, COP26 in Glasgow, it is more crucial than ever that we ensure the commitments of world leaders and EU governments lead to real and effective change, say the Greens.
They say, “The European Green Deal will not succeed without continued pressure and accountability from citizens. As European Greens we will continue to work with citizens, civil society and activists to implement solutions that will not only meet climate goals but also create fairer, healthier communities in Europe and abroad.”
Oras Tynkkynen, committee Member of the European Green Party, commented: “The Glasgow Climate Conference COP26 did not yet go far enough to ensure we can limit global heating to 1.5C. However, we saw commitments and international initiatives from global leaders for stronger climate action. Now these promises must be turned into reality, and Europe must lead on this.
We must radically strengthen international climate action, including negotiating a treaty to phase out fossil fuels, ending public financing for fossil fuels, increasing international climate finance and climate-proofing trade. We must ensure that the largest polluters take responsibility, while making sure that climate justice and the concerns of the most affected people and areas are at the centre.
As European Greens, we continue to work with civil society and citizens, especially the youth and frontline communities, to push for strong and ambitious action by the EU and European governments.”
Evelyne Huytebroeck, co-chair of the European Green Party, added: “The health pandemic has underscored as never before, the critical role of local governments. Municipalities are at the forefront of citizens’ engagement with public decision-making, participation and democracy, and they have a vital role to play in turning international and national climate commitments into action.”
“Cities must develop long-term plans in various sectors – such as urban planning and mobility – to strengthen environmental, climate and social resilience, support independent access to resources by municipalities, and importantly, welcome new forms of civic participation.”
“Elected Greens in cities and regions are at the forefront of this change. Ambitious climate and resilient plans are being made a reality and citizens trust us to deliver a better quality of life in cities and regions, and a better climate.”
