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Climate change is intensifying and its real costs are accelerating. A historically high acceleration of climate disruption in 2023 meant global warming reached 1.48°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time, and ocean temperatures and Antarctic ice loss far exceeded records. It is clearer than ever that achieving a stable climate and protecting a livable planet for current and future generations means sharply and rapidly reducing global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and preparing for the future consequences of climate change ( 1 ). This path can and must go hand in hand with shaping a prosperous and fair society and an EU industry and agriculture that is agile and strong in a globally competitive and increasingly sustainable economy that benefits all people and is in line with the 20 principles. European Pillar of Social Rights and its Action Plan.
The outcome of COP28 in Dubai and the first global assessment of climate action show that the rest of the world is also rapidly moving on this path. The EU, which has enshrined climate neutrality in law by 2050, is leading the fight against climate change and will remain so.
The vision of Europe at the end of the next decade is comprehensive: it should remain a major destination for investment opportunities that will bring stable quality jobs for the future with a strong industrial ecosystem. Europe should lead in the development of future cleantech markets, where all major countries and businesses are trying to take advantage of market opportunities. Becoming a continent with clean, low-carbon, affordable energy and sustainable food and materials will make it resilient to future crises like the ones currently caused by fossil fuel cuts. By remaining a global leader and trusted partner in the fight against climate change, Europe will simultaneously strengthen its open strategic autonomy and diversify its sustainable global value chains to master its own destiny in a volatile world. (More on eur-lex.europa.eu)
