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57-428: The European Green Deal expects Europe to be climate neutral by 2050. The Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact pledge addresses 5 areas: Prove energy efficiency with measurable targets; purchase 100% carbon-free energy; water conservation; Reuse, repair and recycle servers; look for ways to recycle heat. Metrics to be achieved by 2025 and 2030 will have to be certified by an independent auditor, except for SMEs. One of

114-467: A few examples. The ‘From Farm to Fork’ strategy pursues the issue of food sustainability as well as the support allocated to the producers, i.e. farmers and fishermen. The methods of production and transfer of these resources are what the E.U. considers a climate-friendly approach, aiming to increase efficiency as well. The price and quality of the goods will aim to not be hindered during these newly adopted processes. Specific target areas include reducing

171-755: A part of the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan, is expected to mobilize €100 billion in investments during the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), with funding from the EU budget and Member States , as well as contributions from InvestEU and the European Investment Bank . Fit for 55 Fit for 55 is a package by the European Union designed to reduce the European Union's greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. It

228-603: A special role to play in this seismic shift. By 2023, greentech was one of the few sectors in the EU where venture capital investments matched those in the United States, highlighting the impact of the EU's ambitious climate goals and government subsidies. The European Green Deal and accompanying government policies have driven substantial investment in greentech, particularly in areas like energy storage , circular economy initiatives, and agricultural technology . This focus has enabled

285-694: A way that can be measured and/or followed up. Participating in the Pact is an opportunity for organizations to share their transition journey with their peers and collaborate with other actors towards common targets. The overarching aim of the European Green Deal is for the European Union to become the world's first “climate-neutral bloc” by 2050. It has goals extending to many different sectors, including construction, biodiversity, energy, transport and food. The plan includes potential carbon tariffs for countries that don't curtail their greenhouse gas pollution at

342-524: Is a large set of proposed legislation detailing how the European Union plans to reach this target. The European Commission 's climate change strategy, launched in 2020, is focused on a promise to make Europe a net-zero emitter of greenhouse gases by 2050 and to demonstrate that economies will develop without increasing resource usage. However, the Green Deal has measures to ensure that nations that are already reliant on fossil fuels are not left behind in

399-414: Is a response to Europe's declining natural environments, with more than 80% of habitats in poor condition. Its goals include protecting the functioning of ecosystem services , climate change mitigation , resilience and autonomy by preventing natural disasters and reducing risks to food security , and restoring damaged ecosystems . The main aim of the European Green Deal is to become climate neutral by

456-547: Is a set of policy initiatives by the European Commission with the overarching aim of making the European Union (EU) climate neutral in 2050. The plan is to review each existing law on its climate merits, and also introduce new legislation on the circular economy (CE), building renovation , biodiversity , farming and innovation . The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen , stated that

513-536: Is also of the opinion that it "should stop exporting its waste outside of the EU" and it will therefore "revisit the rules on waste shipments and illegal exports" The EU mentioned that "the Commission will also propose to revise the rules on end-of-life vehicles with a view to promoting more circular business models." The European Commission estimates that up to 2030, Europe's green investment offensive will cost an additional €350 billion annually. This policy area

570-404: Is another target area within the European Green Deal. A comprehensive strategy on " Sustainable and Smart mobility " intends to be implemented. This will increase the adoption of sustainable and alternative fuels in road, maritime and air transport and fix the emission standards for combustion-engine vehicles. It also aims to make sustainable alternative solutions available to businesses and

627-601: Is now recognised as a leader in circular economy policy making globally. The waste legislation was adopted in 2018, following negotiations with the European Parliament and Member States in the European Council. According to Eurostat, jobs related to circular economy activities have increased by 6% between 2012 and 2016 within the EU. The action plan has also encouraged at least 14 Member States, eight regions, and 11 cities to put forward circular economy strategies. With

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684-474: Is part of a European recovery that gives more back to the planet than it takes away." The biodiversity strategy is an essential part of the climate change mitigation strategy of the European Union. From the 25% of the European budget that will go to fight climate change, a large portion of that will be dedicated to restoring biodiversity and nature based solutions . The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 includes

741-735: Is part of the union's strategy of the European Green Deal presented first in December 2019. The package was proposed in July 2021 by the European Commission . After being tabled in 2021, the plans were passed in 2023. Measures include additional support for clean transport, renewables , and a tariff called the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on emissions for high-carbon imports from countries lacking sufficient greenhouse gas reduction measures of their own. It proposes to extend

798-443: Is targeting the process of building and renovation in regards to their currently unsustainable methods. Many non-renewable resources are used in the process as well. Thus, the plan focuses on promoting the use of energy efficient building methods such as climate proofing buildings, increasing digitalisation and enforcing rules surrounding the energy performance of buildings. Social housing renovation will also occur in order to reduce

855-484: Is to restore ecosystems and their biological levels. The official page of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 cites Ursula von der Leyen , President of the European Commission, saying that: "Making nature healthy again is key to our physical and mental wellbeing and is an ally in the fight against climate change and disease outbreaks. It is at the heart of our growth strategy, the European Green Deal, and

912-542: Is to restore the balance between human activity and nature. At the heart of the Green Deal the Biodiversity and Farm to Fork strategies point to a new and better balance of nature, food systems and biodiversity; to protect our people’s health and well-being, and at the same time to increase the EU’s competitiveness and resilience. These strategies are a crucial part of the great transition we are embarking upon." The program includes

969-731: The European Social Fund Plus . Some of these programs (such as REACT-EU) also serve to invest in the European Green Deal. In July 2020, a proposed "Green Recovery Act" in the United Kingdom was published by a think tank and academic group, implementing all recommendations of a “Green New Deal” for Europe (which is distinct from the EU Green Deal) and drawing attention to the fact that "car manufacturers in Europe are far behind China" in ending fossil fuel-based production. The same month,

1026-645: The European Union Emissions Trading System to transport and heat. Compared to the net-zero scenario from the International Energy Agency , the plan contains more measures to ensure that energy remains affordable. The legislation is complicated due to the high level of democratic processes in the European Union. The commission sent proposals of the new law to the council and European parliament . The council started discussions including representatives of all 27 member states on

1083-554: The Paris Agreement , and therefore using today's emissions as baseline, since 1990 EU emissions already dropped by 25% at 2019, a 55% reduction target using 1990 as baseline represents in 2019 terms a 40% reduction target, which can be calculated using this equation: ( 0.55 − 0.25 1 − 0.25 ) = 0.40 = 40 % {\displaystyle \left({\frac {0.55-0.25}{1-0.25}}\right)=0.40=40\%} According to

1140-898: The 17 trade associations signed up at the launch are: Association of Cloud Infrastructure Services Providers Europe ( CISPE ), EUDCA, the European Data Centre Association, Cloud28+ , Cloud Community Poland, Danish Cloud Community, Datacentre Industrien, Data Centre Alliance, Dutch Data Centre Association, Dutch Hosting Providers Association, Eco - Alliance for strengthening digital infrastructures in Germany, EuroCloud Croatia, EuroCloud France, France Datacenter, Host in Scotland, IKT-Norge, ISPConnect, and TechUK . In June 2021, signatories include 54 providers and 23 trade associations, including providers like IBM or T-Systems. European Green Deal The European Green Deal , approved in 2020,

1197-475: The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic spreading rapidly within the European Union, the focus on the European Green Deal diminished. Many leaders including the deputy minister, Kowalski, from Poland, a Romanian politician, and the Czech prime minister, Babiš , suggested either a yearly pause or a complete discontinuation of the deal. Many believe the current main focus of the European Union's current policymaking process should be

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1254-514: The EU to close the existing investment gap with the US in these strategic sectors. Another target area to achieve the EU's climate goals is the introduction of the Circular Economy Industrial policy. In March 2020, the EU announced their Industrial Strategy with its aim to “empower citizens, revitalises regions and have the best technologies.” Key points of this policy area include boosting

1311-407: The EU. In addition to rehabilitation, investment is required to enable the development of new efficient and ecologically friendly structures. In July 2021, the European Commission released its “ Fit for 55 ” legislation package, which contains important guidelines for the future of the automotive industry : All new cars sold in the EU must be zero-emission vehicles from 2035. In the context of

1368-686: The Emissions Gap Report 2020 by the United Nations Environment Programme , meeting the Paris Agreement's 1.5 °C temperature increase target (with 66% probability) requires GtCO 2 e 34/59 = 57% emissions reduction globally from 2019 levels by 2030, therefore well above the 40% target of the European Green Deal. This 57% emission reduction target at 2030 represents average global reductions, while advanced economies are expected to contribute more. Climate neutrality by

1425-533: The European Commission supporting the implementation of the European Green Deal. It is a movement to build a greener Europe, providing a platform to work and learn together, develop solutions, and achieve real change. The Pact provides opportunities for people, communities, and organizations to participate in climate and environmental action across Europe. By pledging to the Pact, European stakeholders commit to taking concrete climate and environmental actions in

1482-489: The European Green Deal in its economic recovery program. Ten countries urged the European Union to adopt the “green recovery plan" as fears grew that the economic hit caused by the COVID-19 pandemic could weaken action on climate change. In May 2020 the leaders of the European Commission argued that the ecological crisis helped create the pandemic, which emphasised the need to advance the European Green Deal. Later that month,

1539-650: The European Green Deal would be Europe's "man on the moon moment". On 13 December 2019, the European Council decided to press ahead with the plan, with an opt-out for Poland . On 15 January 2020, the European Parliament voted to support the deal as well, with requests for higher ambition. A year later, the European Climate Law was passed, which legislated that greenhouse gas emissions should be 55% lower in 2030 compared to 1990. The Fit for 55 package

1596-408: The European Union fulfilling several metrics. All data centre larger than 50KW of maximum IT power are considered in the perimeter of the Pact to consider. If one of the data centres of an operator fails to meet the thresholds, a 60 days period is granted to propose a remediation plan to the board of directors of the Pact, and this plan must be executed within 6 months. If failing to meet the thresholds,

1653-431: The European Union, a large majority of ministers are supporting the push for the deal to begin, alongside the subsiding of the first wave of infections. Representatives from 17 governments signed a letter in mid-April pushing for the deal to continue as a “response to the economic crisis while transforming Europe into a sustainable and climate neutral economy.” In April 2020, the European Parliament called for including

1710-570: The European Union. As part of the European Union response to the COVID-19 pandemic , several economic programs were set up, including the CRII, CRII+, European Social Fund+ and REACT-EU With these programs, flexibility is maintained, and CRII and CRII+ are also able to direct money to crisis repair measures through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), European Social Fund (ESF), Fund for European Aid to Most Deprived (FEAD) or

1767-639: The Member states will update their climate and national energy plans to adhere to the EU's climate goal for 2030. The key principles include: In 2020, the European Commission unveiled its strategy for a greener, cleaner energy future. The EU Strategy for Energy System Integration serves as a framework for an energy transition , which comprises measures to achieve a more circular system, and measures to implement greater direct electrification as well as to develop clean fuels (including hydrogen ). The European Clean Hydrogen Alliance has also been launched as hydrogen has

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1824-550: The Pact), Michael Winterson ( Equinix representing EUDCA co-founder of the Pact), Stijn Grove (Dutch Data Centre Association), Emma Fryer (TechUK), Lex Coors ( Interxion ) and Fabrizio Garrone (Aruba). The Pact has been referenced by the European Commission as "instrumental in setting up the European Green Digital Coalition" By signing the Pact, Data Centre Operators agree to have all their data centres operated within

1881-769: The Polish government filed a series of complaints with the European Court of Justice against provisions that are part of the Fit for 55 package, claiming that EU climate policies threaten Poland 's economy and energy security . The EU's Fit for 55 climate package is projected to create a net 204,000 jobs by 2030, adding to the baseline growth of 6.7 million jobs. Employment effects will vary by region, with negative impacts likely in eastern Europe due to reliance on carbon-intensive industries, and positive impacts in regions with green energy infrastructure. This article about climate change

1938-438: The built environment. The EU plans to finance the policies set out in the Green Deal through an investment plan – InvestEU, which forecasts at least €1 trillion in investment. Furthermore, for the EU to reach its goals set out in the deal, it is estimated that approximately €260 billion a year is going to be required by 2030 in investments. Before 1970, almost half of all European residential structures were built. At

1995-451: The burden of transitioning to a greener economy more fairly. This policy means that countries that have more workers in coal and oil shale sectors, as well as those with higher greenhouse emissions, will receive more financial aid. According to Frans Timmermans, this mechanism will also make investment more accessible for those most affected, as well as offering a support package, which will be worth “at least 100 billion euros”. The Mechanism,

2052-471: The council, parliament and commission start. The larger part of the proposals stick to the regular legislative process of trilogues. When the bill for carbon market legislation was designed, the conservative fraction in the European Parliament initially weakened the bill. The amended bill was defeated as the social democrats voted against. The final accepted compromise became stronger in CO 2 emission reduction than

2109-519: The following targets: According to the page, approximately half of the global GDP depends on nature. In Europe many parts of the economy that generate trillions € per year, depend on nature. Currently the benefits of Natura 2000 in Europe contribute €200 - €300 billion per year. Florika Fink-Hooijer , Director General of the Directorate-General for the Environment , said that the EU has

2166-422: The immediate, shorter-term crisis rather than climate change. The financial market being under immense stress along with a reduction in economic activity is another factor threatening to derail the European Green Deal. Public and private funds for the policy as well as the EU's GDP being affected by COVID-19 both hinder the budgeting for the policy to take action. However, as recovery processes have begun within

2223-533: The legislative proposals in working parties on an expert level. Based on that exchange the Permanent Representative Committee continues discussions preparing the ground for the council meeting of ministers. The Fit for 55 package proposals are discussed in multiple council formations such as environment, energy, transport, economy and finance. After the ministers of each branch found joint positions trilogues including meetings with representatives of

2280-617: The modern aspects of industries, influencing the exploration and creation of “climate neutral” circular economy friendly goods markets. This further entails the “decarbonisation and modernisation of energy-intensive industries such as steel and cement .” A ‘ Sustainable products ’ policy is also projected to be introduced which will focus on reducing the wastage of materials. This aims to ensure products will be reused and recycling processes will be reinforced. The materials particularly focused on include “ textiles , construction, vehicles, batteries, electronics and plastics .” The European Union

2337-413: The next targets: The ‘Zero Pollution Action Plan’ that aims to be adopted by the commission in 2021 intends to achieve no pollution from “all sources”, cleaning the air, water and soil by 2050. The Environment Quality standards are to be fully met, enforcing all industrial activities to be within toxic-free environments. Agricultural and urban industries water management policies will be overlooked to suit

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2394-680: The operator would be expelled from the Pact. Metrics to achieve are the following: Some metrics remains undefined like targets on water conservation, but the pledge give the signatories until end 2021 to define and agree a metric with the European Commission. Cloud infrastructure providers and Data centre signatories include: 3DS Outscale (Dassault Systèmes), Altuhost, Aruba , Atos , AWS (Amazon Web Services), CyrusOne , Data4, DigiPlex, Digital Realty & Interxion, Equinix , FlameNetworks, Gigas , Google , Ikoula, Ilger, Infloclip, Intel Corporation, Irideos, ITnet, LCL, Leaseweb, next layer, NTT, OVHcloud, Register, Scaleway, and Seeweb. In addition,

2451-408: The originality of the pledge is that if a data centre operator signatory of the pledge does not meet the expected metrics, the company would be expelled by all trade association signatories of the Pact. A first Board of Directors of the Pact was appointed for a 2 year term 24 February 2021. it is composed by 6 members. First directors are Alban Schmutz ( OVHcloud representing CISPE and co-founder of

2508-547: The price of energy bills for those less able to finance these costs. They aim to triple the renovation rate of all buildings to reduce the pollution emitted during these processes. Digital technologies are important in achieving the European Green Deal's environmental targets. Emerging digital technologies, if correctly applied, have the potential to play a critical role in addressing environmental issues. Smart city mobility, precision agriculture, sustainable supply chains, environmental monitoring, and catastrophe prediction are just

2565-422: The proposal from the European Commission. The environmental organization Greenpeace criticized the package for not being suitable for halting global warming and the associated destruction of important life-support systems because the target envisaged was too low. The organization criticized the classification of bioenergy as renewable energy and the sale of non-emission-free cars by 2035. In August 2023,

2622-619: The protection of the European Union's biodiversity will be put forth in 2021. Management of forests and maritime areas, environment protection and addressing the issue of losses of species and ecosystems are all aspects of this target area. Restoration of affected ecosystems is intended to occur through implementing organic farming methods , aiding pollination processes, restoring free flowing rivers, reducing pesticides that harm surrounding wildlife and reforestation. The EU wants to protect 30% of land and 30% of sea, whilst creating stricter safeguards around new and old growth forests . Their aim

2679-573: The public. Smart traffic management systems and applications intend to be developed as a solution. Freight delivery methods aim to be altered, with preferred pathways being by land or water. Public transport alterations aim to reduce public congestion as well as pollution. Installations of charging ports for electric vehicles intends to encourage the purchase of low-emission vehicles. The ‘ Single European Sky ’ plan focuses on air traffic management in order to increase safety, flight efficiency and environmentally friendly conditions. A strategy surrounding

2736-474: The recovery package and the budget of the European Union were generally accepted. The portion of the money that was allocated for climate action grew to 30%. The plan includes some green taxation on European products and on imports, but critics say it is still not enough for achieving the climate targets of the European Union and it is not clear how to ensure that all the money will really go to green projects. The “Just Transition Mechanism”, expects to distribute

2793-458: The same rate. The mechanism to achieve this is called the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). It also includes: It also leans on Horizon Europe , to play a pivotal role in leveraging national public and private investments . Through partnerships with industry and member States, it will support research and innovation on transport technologies, including batteries, clean hydrogen , low-carbon steel making, circular bio-based sectors and

2850-399: The time, no consideration was given to the amount of energy used by materials and standards. At the present rate of refurbishment, reaching a highly energy-efficient and decarbonised building stock might take more than a century. One of the major aims of the European Green Deal is to “at least double or even triple” the current refurbishment rate of approximately 1%. This is also true outside of

2907-455: The transition to renewable energy. The green transition is a top priority for Europe. The EU Member States want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 from 1990 levels, and become climate neutral by 2050. Von der Leyen appointed Frans Timmermans as Executive Vice President of the European Commission for the European Green Deal in 2019. He was succeeded by Maroš Šefčovič in 2023. The European Climate Pact is an initiative of

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2964-485: The use of chemical pesticides , increasing the availability of health food options and aiding consumers to understand the health ratings of products and sustainable packaging. In the official page of the program From Farm to Fork is cited Frans Timmermans the Executive Vice-president of the European Commission, saying that: "The coronavirus crisis has shown how vulnerable we all are, and how important it

3021-410: The year of 2050 is the main goal of the European Green Deal. For the EU to reach their target of climate neutrality, one goal is to decarbonise their energy system by aiming to achieve “net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.” Their relevant energy directive is intended to be looked over and adjusted if problem areas arise. Many other in place and present regulations will also be reviewed. In 2023,

3078-503: The year of 2050. The reasons pushing for the plan's creation are based upon the environmental issues such as climate change, a loss of biodiversity , ozone depletion , water pollution , urban stress, waste production and more. The following statistics highlight the climate related issues within the European Union: Global carbon dioxide emissions by country in 2023: All 54 actions were adopted or implemented by 2019. The EU

3135-618: The “ambition to be a standard setter" for global biodiversity policy. The Nature Restoration Law is a regulation of the European Union to protect the EU environments and restore its nature to a good ecological state through renaturation . The law is a core element of the European Green Deal and the EU Biodiversity Strategy and makes the targets set therein for the "restoration of nature" binding. EU member states will have to develop their national restoration plans by 2026. They will have to restore at least 30% of habitats in poor condition by 2030, 60% by 2040, and 90% by 2050. The regulation

3192-659: The “no harm” policy. Harmful resources such as micro-plastics and chemicals, such as pharmaceuticals , that are threatening the environment aim to be substituted in order to reach this goal. The ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy aids pollution reduction from excess nutrients and sustainable methods of production and transportation. Some formulations of the plan such as "toxic-free" and "zero pollution" have been criticized by Genetic Literacy Project as anti-scientific and contradictory, as any substance can be toxic at specific dose , and almost any life-related process results in "pollution". A reduction in emissions from transportation methods

3249-465: The €750 billion European recovery package (called Next Generation EU ) and the €1 trillion budget were announced. The European Green Deal is part of it. The money will be spent only on projects that meet certain green criteria. 25% of all funding will go to climate change mitigation. Fossil fuels and Nuclear power are excluded from the funding. The recovery package is also intended to restore some equilibrium between rich and poor countries in

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