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EU and Sustainability: EU Terminology, Information, and Documents

Information from the EU

Terminology

Biodiversity:  Refers to variability and diversity within and between living organisms and ecosystems.  Biodiversity loss can affect human health, the economy/livelihoods, food production, and more.  See EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.

Climate Law: Proposed legislation to legally commit to the goals outlined by the European Green Deal, including achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050 and at least a 55% reduction by 2030.  See amended proposed Regulation (March 2020).

Climate neutrality: Net-zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Farm to Fork: This phrase is used widely to refer to efforts to buy more food products from small-scale and local farms/fisheries/wineries/etc. It has also been adopted by the EU to describe their strategy as part of the Green Deal to improve sustainability in food production and support for food producers.

Horizon EuropeThe EU's current research and innovation program focusing on development across multiple areas; addressing climate change is a key priority.

Just Transition Mechanism/Fund: Funding and additional investments to assist regions and industries which will face the greatest challenges with a transition to a greener economy.  See the Just Transition Platform.

Paris Agreement: International climate change treaty (2015) committing signees to curb global warming by limiting greenhouse gas emissions.

Zero Pollution Action Plan: EU plan to reduce pollution in water, air, and soil to levels no longer harmful to human health by the year 2050.

Key People

Ursula von der Leyen: European President Commission leading the European Green Deal initiative as part of a wider-ranging strategic plan for 2020-2024.

Frans Timmermans: Former European Commission Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal (2019 - 2023).

Maroš Šefčovič: European Commission Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal as of 22 August 2023.

Latest on the EU Green Deal

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Documents