Environment-related concerns are typically difficult to regulate through legislation, particularly in terms of climate change that goes beyond borders. We are unable to link the harm to a single nation. As a result, creating and enforcing environmental law has been complicated and highly regarded. The European Union (EU) has a collective goal to become carbon neutral by 2050, which was established by the European Green Deal (EGD) and launched by the European Commission in 2019. The EGD also supports the achievement of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. Despite being only one political document, the EGD contains numerous environmental proposals that urge the EU to create a legal path towards climate neutrality. With those ambitious initiatives, we will feel more optimistic about the future of the environment.

As one of the EGD ideas, the first-ever climate law was formed in 2021. The European climate law stipulated that greenhouse gas emissions were to be decreased by at least 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990, with the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Instead of a political pledge, climate law lays out the legal requirements. Unquestionably, it began a fresh chapter. Additionally, their subsequent legislation must be compliant with the goals of climate law. Regular assessments of the countries’ progress toward achieving climate neutrality could encourage them to keep improving their policies. The impact on the environment would then be given top attention.

Another wonderful proposal from the EGD would be the “fit for 55” package. There were already some directives and regulations in place before the EGD to aid with environmental challenges relating to climate, energy, and transportation. This package aims to bring current EU law into line with the new climate goals. It serves as a good illustration of how the EU would accomplish its climate objectives. One of the key market-based strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions established in 2005, the EU Emission Trading System, was agreed to change in December 2022. Even if these legislative ideas have undergone significant adjustments, we still need to closely monitor the progress made in addressing climate change, and even introduce new modifications.

The EGD has many novel measures, but one of the biggest challenges is how to put them into practice. The EGD also provides measures to maintain its functionality in light of this. Here, I'd like to discuss the method for boosting public participation. The European Climate Pact was established by the European Commission to increase public awareness of environmental issues and provide everyone with the chance to contribute to the EU's achievement of its objectives. Even on a daily basis, we can all do our part to lower greenhouse gas emissions. The Pact selected 16 practical steps. The simplest one is to start a conversation about climate change with others. The opinions of our friends and families can have a significant impact. If you explain to your friends why climate change is important and what we can do to combat it in our daily lives, perhaps it will spur them into action. Other steps can substantially teach us how to live sustainably, such as reducing food waste, switching to clean energy, etc. So far, the Pact has received 4,311,875 such individual pledges. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is 15,842,196 kg. Individuals' tiny actions add up to make a significant difference.

The European Green Deal is making progress toward achieving its goals. And Europe would be the first continent to attain climate neutrality. However, as was already mentioned, climate change is a worldwide issue. The weight of international cooperation is equally significant. The high standards of the EU would compel nations that would collaborate with the EU to come forward and further adjust their environmental policies. Some developing countries that depend on heavy industry and oil would be given more time and chances to achieve climate neutrality with the assistance of other environment-friendly countries. The day of climate neutrality is not far off as long as we keep improving environmental measures in accordance with our pledges, the European Commission continues to monitor our implementation, and there is continual worldwide collaboration.

The Path Towards Climate Neutrality: The European Green Deal