europe
Newsletter
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European election results could hinder ambitious climate policies
Recent gains by far-right parties in the European Parliament elections may obstruct efforts to implement more ambitious climate policies, though key net-zero commitments are expected to persist.
In short:
- The European Green Party suffered significant losses, while far-right parties made substantial gains in the recent European Parliament elections.
- Voter concerns about the cost-of-living crisis and geopolitical tensions have taken precedence over climate change, impacting election outcomes.
- Despite the political shift, researchers believe core climate goals like the European Green Deal are likely to remain intact.
Key quote:
"I don't think that there is going to be appetite to completely ditch the Green Deal."
— Richard Klein, Stockholm Environment Institute
Why this matters:
The shift in political power within the European Parliament may slow the advancement of stronger climate initiatives, affecting long-term environmental targets. Understanding these changes is important, as they may influence the EU's approach to climate policy and international environmental leadership.
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Ursula von der Leyen's Green Deal struggles amid election campaign
Facing an election and multiple crises, Ursula von der Leyen has downplayed her Green Deal achievements to appease various factions within the EU.
In short:
- Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission president, has minimized her climate agenda amid electoral pressures.
- Manfred Weber and the EPP have heavily opposed her Green Deal, reflecting broader conservative dissatisfaction.
- Interviews reveal von der Leyen's covert efforts to advance her climate policies despite public concessions.
Key quote:
"If a leader is playing both sides — something that we are experiencing now — you have a problem."
— Teresa Ribera, Spanish Deputy Prime Minister
Why this matters:
Von der Leyen's maneuvers highlight the political challenges of sustaining ambitious climate policies in the face of economic and electoral pressures. The future of the EU's climate agenda may hinge on the upcoming election and von der Leyen's ability to navigate internal party conflicts. Critics, however, warn that de-emphasizing the Green Deal could jeopardize the EU's leadership role in global climate action.
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Green parties in Europe facing potential setbacks in upcoming elections
As the European elections approach, Green parties may lose up to a third of their seats due to shifting voter priorities toward issues like inflation and the Ukraine war.
In short:
- Polls indicate a significant drop in support for Green parties in the upcoming European elections, potentially costing them up to one-third of their seats.
- The decline is attributed to voters prioritizing concerns like inflation and the Ukraine war over environmental issues.
- Economic conditions heavily influence support for Green parties, with a tendency to favor them during times of economic prosperity.
Key quote:
“Voters have other priorities in 2024. Europeans today are more concerned about other issues.”
— António Valentim, political scientist at Yale University
Why this matters:
In recent years, Green parties have surged in popularity across Europe, riding a wave of growing public awareness about climate change and sustainability. However, the urgency of immediate economic and geopolitical crises is reshaping voter priorities. The soaring cost of living, driven by inflation, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine have captured the attention and anxiety of the electorate, potentially at the expense of environmental policies. With that said, some other parties have adopted strong environmental targets, suggesting that climate action may still progress despite lower Green representation.
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A new wave of young eco-activists running for EU Parliament seats
A generation of young Europeans who began their activism in school is now running for the European Parliament to influence climate policies.
In short:
- Young Europeans, previously involved in Fridays for Future protests, are now candidates in the European Parliament elections from June 6-9.
- These candidates, like Petr Doubravsky from Czechia and Lena Schilling from Austria, aim to enact climate protection policies amidst opposition from right-leaning parties.
- They represent a new wave of political activists determined to shape EU climate and energy policies by 2030.
Key quote:
“In 2019, we heard that we should calm down, that we should stay in school, that we should wait until we are adults. And that time has now come.”
— Petr Doubravsky, Czech Green Party candidate
Why this matters:
The presence of these young activists in the political sphere is more than symbolic. It highlights the growing influence of environmental activism in shaping policy and the increasing recognition that the climate crisis requires immediate and innovative solutions. If successful, these young politicians could play a crucial role in steering Europe toward a greener, more resilient future, ensuring that the environment remains at the forefront of legislative priorities.
The question remains: will it be enough to counter the rising far-right movement in Europe?
Related EHN coverage:
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Meat and dairy industry's lobbying delays EU climate policies
Intense lobbying by the meat and dairy industry has significantly hindered EU climate policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, according to a recent report.
In short:
- The report by InfluenceMap reveals that since 2020, the meat and dairy industry has successfully weakened six major EU climate policies.
- Industry associations and companies like Cargill and Arla have downplayed agriculture's climate impact and emphasized livestock's economic importance.
- The analysis indicates these tactics are similar to those used by the fossil fuel industry to resist climate regulations.
Key quote:
"Following obstructive behaviour from the industry, and the infiltration of industry narratives in the EU Parliament and EU Commission, policies that are fundamental to reducing GHG emissions in line with scientific advice have been significantly weakened or have stalled."
— Venetia Roxburgh, EU program lead at InfluenceMap
Why this matters:
The stalling of climate policies by the meat and dairy industry jeopardizes efforts to meet global temperature targets. Without strict regulations, agricultural emissions in Europe are unlikely to decrease sufficiently to align with scientific recommendations.
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Warming waters in Europe pose significant health risks, says EU agency
A report by the European Environment Agency warns of health hazards from emerging waterborne diseases and pollution due to climate change.
In short:
- Thawing permafrost in northern Europe is expected to release pathogens and pollutants, raising concerns about food and water safety.
- Health risks such as ciguatera poisoning from contaminated fish and anthrax outbreaks among reindeer are increasing due to climate impacts.
- The European Environment Agency urges immediate and comprehensive implementation of existing climate, water, and health policies.
Key quote:
"Protecting human lives and health from the impacts of climate change, including droughts, floods and worsened water quality is of utmost importance and urgency."
— Leena Ylä-Mononen, chief of the European Environment Agency
Why this matters:
Scientists warn that pathogens, some of which may have been encased in ice for thousands of years, could enter local water systems as the ice melts. This phenomenon raises the possibility of diseases unknown to modern medicine or those considered eradicated reappearing in the environment. Additionally, the release of pollutants—such as heavy metals and toxic chemicals previously locked within the ice—could contaminate soil and waterways, further threatening agricultural productivity and drinking water quality.
Be sure to read:
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EU nations push to preserve biodiversity laws
Eleven EU countries, spearheaded by Ireland, advocate for the ratification of pivotal biodiversity restoration laws, aiming for legislative success within the month.
In short:
- Environment ministers from 11 nations, including Ireland, Germany, and France, have called on peers to support EU nature restoration laws, set to expire.
- The legislation mandates restoring a significant portion of degraded habitats by 2050 and proposes planting 3 billion trees.
- Amidst political tension, the upcoming EU presidency of Hungary could derail the initiative unless ratified soon.
Key quote:
"We must act urgently and decisively to conclude the political process. Failure to do so would be a carte blanche to destroy nature and would fundamentally undermine public faith in the EU’s political leadership at home and internationally."
— Eamon Ryan, Ireland’s Environment Minister
Why this matters:
Biodiversity, the variety of life in all its forms, provides essential services that make the Earth livable. Our natural environments purify our air and water, pollinate crops, control pests, and provide food. When species and habitats are lost, these services are diminished or disappear, posing direct and indirect threats to human health. For instance, the loss of biodiversity can increase the transmission of infectious diseases and reduce the resilience of food systems to pests and climate shocks.
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