GREEN - CLIMATE, ENERGY, BIODIVERSITY, AGRICULTURE, TRANSPORT Flashcards
What percentage of Europeans see climate change as a very serious problem according to Eurobarometer?
77%
More than one in three Europeans (37%) feel personally exposed to climate risks.
Which renewable energy priority do nearly four in ten Europeans want to see prioritized by EU actions?
Renewable energy (38%)
Other priorities include sustainable agriculture (31%), energy infrastructure (28%), and clean technology investments (28%).
In how many EU Member States does climate and the environment come in first place as a priority?
Five
These include Denmark (67%), Sweden (59%), the Netherlands (55%), France (36%), and Malta (36%).
What was the EU energy import dependency rate in 2022?
62.5%
This indicates the reliance on energy imports.
What percentage of global GHG emissions did the EU contribute in 2021?
7.3%
This is a decrease from 15.2% in 1990.
Which sector is responsible for the largest percentage of EU emissions?
Energy sector (77%)
Other contributions include Agriculture (11%), Industry (9%), and Waste sector (3.3%).
What was the reduction in EU GHG emissions from 1990 levels by 2020?
31%
This exceeded the EU’s target of reducing emissions by 20% by 2020.
What economic damages do forest fires cause annually across the EU?
Around EUR 2 billion
This highlights the significant impact of extreme weather events.
How much does river flooding cost Europe annually in economic losses?
More than EUR 5 billion
What was the total damage caused by extreme weather events in the EU over the past four decades?
EUR 487 billion
How many EU citizens were killed by extreme weather events between 1980 and 2020?
138,000
What is the aim of the European Environment Agency (EEA)?
To provide independent knowledge and data for sustainable development
It coordinates the European environment information and observation network (Eionet).
When was the European Environment Agency (EEA) established?
1990; operational in 1994
What does the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) do?
Coordinates efforts for market integration and harmonisation of regulatory frameworks in EU energy policy
What is the purpose of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)?
Manages EU chemicals legislation for safe use of chemicals
When was the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) established?
2002
What is the goal of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)?
Ensures aviation safety and environmental protection in civil aviation
What is the main focus of the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA)?
Promotes a safe, modern integrated railway system
What does the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) do?
Coordinates fisheries control and inspection activities among Member States
What is the budget for the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) for 2021-2027?
€ 291.09 billion
What is the aim of the Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE)?
EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action
What is the Just Transition Fund designed to support?
Transition towards climate neutrality by alleviating socioeconomic impacts
What is the total budget of the Innovation Fund from 2020 to 2030?
€ 40 billion
What is the overarching goal of the Paris Agreement?
To hold the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels
What is the target climate finance commitment made by developed countries under the Paris Agreement?
USD 100 billion per year by 2020 until 2025
What percentage of global public climate finance is provided by the EU and its member states?
Over a third
What is the aim of the REDD+ framework adopted in the Paris Agreement?
To reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries
What is the European Green Deal?
EU’s growth strategy to transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy
What percentage of global public climate finance is provided by Europe?
Over a third
In 2023, Europe contributed €28.6 billion from public sources and mobilised an additional €7.2 billion in private finance.
What is the key goal of the European Green Deal?
First climate neutral continent by 2050
What is the target increase for the EU’s 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction compared to 1990 levels?
At least 55%
What are the four objectives of the EU strategy on adaptation to climate change?
- Make adaptation smarter
- More systemic
- Faster
- Step up international action
What does the European Climate Law establish?
A legally binding target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
What is the annual investment needed to reach the 55% GHG target?
Around EUR 350 billion higher in the coming decade than in the previous decade
What is the investment target of the European Green Deal over 2021-2030?
At least €1 trillion in sustainable investments
What percentage of the 2021-2027 MFF & Next Generation EU (NGEU) is allocated to green investments?
30%
What is the Just Transition Mechanism (JTM)?
Targets a fair and just green transition with at least €100 billion in investments
What does the Taxonomy Regulation establish?
A classification system for environmentally sustainable economic activities
What is the purpose of the ‘Fit for 55’ package?
To reduce Europe’s net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030
True or False: The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) covers 40% of the EU’s emissions.
True
What is the target reduction for emissions under the revised ETS by 2030?
62% from 2005 levels
What is the Social Climate Fund (SCF) designed to address?
Social impacts of expanding the ETS, providing up to EUR 65 billion from 2026 to 2032
What does the Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) address?
Emissions from non-ETS sectors, setting national targets for GHG reduction
How much must Member States reduce emissions under the revised ESR by 2030?
40% compared to 2005 levels
What is the new target for net carbon removals under the LULUCF regulation by 2030?
310 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent
What is the budget for the Just Transition Fund (JTF) for 2021-2027?
€19.32 billion
Fill in the blank: The LULUCF sector covers the use of _______.
[soils, trees, plants, biomass, and timber]
What is the total estimated budget for the Innovation Fund until 2030?
EUR 40 billion
What is the purpose of the Modernisation Fund?
To support lower-income Member States in modernising their energy systems
What is the expected reduction in emissions from the Fit for 55 package?
57% by 2030
What does the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) aim to do?
Maintain a level-playing field while effectively pricing carbon
What is the conditionality for Member States to receive allocations from the JTF?
Must commit to achieving climate neutrality by 2050
What is the COM proposal for Europe’s 2040 climate target?
90% reduction in emissions
What percentage of planned allocation will regions that have not committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 receive?
50%
What is the total amount of investments that the Just Transition Mechanism aims to mobilize?
Around €55 billion
What is the target for emissions reduction by 2040 compared to 1990 levels according to the COM Communication?
90% reduction
What does the first European Climate Risk Assessment (EUCRA) identify?
36 climate risks threatening energy and food security, ecosystems, infrastructure, water resources, financial systems, and health
What are the four categories of action identified by the Commission for managing climate risks in Europe?
- Improved governance
- Better tools to empower risk owners
- Harnessing structural policies
- Right preconditions for financing climate resilience
What regulation created the first EU-wide voluntary framework for certifying carbon removals?
Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Regulation
In what year did the first Environmental Action Programme begin?
1973
What key EU competence was established by the Single European Act?
Environment
List the four principles of environment policy as outlined in Article 191 TFEU.
- Precaution
- Prevention
- Tackle environmental degradation at the origin
- Polluter pays principle
When did the 8th Environmental Action Programme enter into force?
May 2022
What are the six priority objectives of the 8th EAP until 2030?
- Achieving the 2030 GHG reduction target and climate neutrality by 2050
- Enhancing adaptive capacity, reducing vulnerability to climate change
- Advancing towards a regenerative growth model
- Pursuing a zero-pollution ambition
- Protecting, preserving, and restoring biodiversity
- Reducing environmental and climate pressures related to production and consumption
What enabling framework supports the achievement of the 6 priority objectives of the 8th EAP?
- Full implementation of existing environmental legislation
- Reducing the EU’s material and consumption footprints
- Achieving environmental fairness
- Promoting sustainable finance
- Using economic and tax incentives
- Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies
- Developing a ‘beyond GDP’ dashboard
- Fostering cooperation between different levels of governance
- Leveraging digital technologies
- Basing policy decisions on the latest scientific knowledge
What is the main goal of the Biodiversity Strategy 2030?
To halt the loss of biodiversity and implement key actions by 2030
Key actions include extending Natura 2000 and launching a nature restoration plan.
What was the outcome of the 1992 UN Conference in Rio?
Adoption of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity
This laid the groundwork for global biodiversity policies.
What is Natura 2000?
The largest coordinated network of protected areas in the world
It includes special protection areas for wild birds and is part of EU legislation.
What are the targets for planting trees in the EU by 2030?
Plant at least 3 billion additional trees
This is part of the efforts to improve biodiversity and combat climate change.
What percentage of land and sea does the EU aim to protect by 2030?
At least 30% of both EU land and sea
This is part of the EU’s biodiversity strategy to enhance protected areas.
What is the purpose of the Nature Restoration Law?
To set binding targets for restoring degraded ecosystems
It aims to meet international commitments and enhance biodiversity.
What is the objective of the Regulation on Deforestation-free Products?
To support deforestation-free value chains
Operators must prove products do not come from recently deforested land.
What are the key objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework?
- Restore 30% degraded ecosystems globally by 2030
- Conserve and manage 30% of areas by 2030
- Reduce extinction risks by tenfold by 2050
- Reduce pesticide risks by 50% by 2030
- Sustainably manage agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, and forestry
These goals aim to halt and reverse nature loss.
How much international biodiversity financing has the EU committed for 2021-2027?
€7 billion
This funding aims to support global biodiversity efforts.
What is the EU Zero Pollution Action Plan?
A plan aimed at reducing air and noise pollution to non-harmful levels by 2050
It includes key targets for improving air, water, and soil quality.
What is the target reduction for premature deaths caused by air pollution by 2030?
55% reduction
This target may be exceeded, reaching up to 66% reduction.
What percentage of the EU population is exposed to unacceptable noise levels?
Around 20%
Noise pollution is a significant environmental issue in the EU.
What does the Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD) regulate?
Emissions from combustion plants with rated thermal input between 1 and 50 MW
It aims to reduce air pollution from these sources.
What is the main driver of deforestation linked to in the EU?
Expansion of agricultural land for commodities
Key commodities include cattle, wood, cocoa, and palm oil.
What are the targets for reducing nutrient losses and chemical pesticides by 2030?
Reduce by 50%
This is part of the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan.
What is the goal of the Birds Directive adopted in 1979?
To protect all wild bird species and their habitats
It was one of the first pieces of environmental legislation in the EU.
What is the significance of 21 May in relation to Natura 2000?
It is celebrated as European Natura 2000 Day
This day raises awareness about the Natura 2000 network.
What does the Invasive Alien Species (IAS) strategy aim to achieve?
To protect native biodiversity and mitigate the impact of IAS
The EU has identified 88 species of concern.
What is the purpose of limiting emissions from medium combustion plants?
To reduce air pollution by limiting emissions of SO2, NOx, dust, and monitoring CO.
By when must new medium combustion plants comply with emission regulations?
December 20, 2018.
When must existing plants over 5 MW comply with emission regulations?
January 1, 2025.
What is the compliance deadline for existing plants between 1-5 MW?
January 1, 2030.
What is the objective of the Chemical strategy for sustainability adopted in October 2020?
To better protect citizens and the environment against hazardous chemicals and boost innovation.
What are the three main objectives of the Chemical strategy for sustainability?
- To protect human health
- Increase competitiveness of industry
- Pollution-free environment
What does the CLP Regulation require from manufacturers and importers?
To classify, label, and package their hazardous chemicals appropriately before selling them.
When did the revised CLP Regulation enter into force?
December 2024.
What does REACH stand for?
Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals.
What are the key responsibilities placed on the industry by the REACH Regulation?
- Manage risks from chemicals
- Provide safety information on substances
- Register information in a central database
What principle is REACH based on?
The precautionary principle.
What was the main goal of the EU Soil Strategy for 2030 adopted in 2021?
To call for the same level of protection to soil that exists for water, marine environment, and air.
What is the aim of the Soil Monitoring Law proposed in July 2023?
To help achieve healthy soils by 2050.
What does a circular economy aim to address?
The current linear economic model that generates excessive waste.
What percentage of materials are reused in a circular manner currently?
7.2%.
What is the overarching goal of the revised Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD)?
Reduce packaging waste by 15% by 2040 per capita compared to 2018.
What is the target for all PET beverage bottles regarding recycled plastic by 2025?
To contain at least 25% recycled plastic.
What does the Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) establish?
A framework for setting eco-design requirements for physical products.
What is the purpose of the Right to Repair Directive adopted in June 2024?
To promote the repair of goods within a reasonable time and for a reasonable price.
What is the goal of the Green Claims Directive?
To tackle false environmental claims and address greenwashing.
What international agreement aims to protect biodiversity from risks posed by living modified organisms?
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
What is the main focus of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction?
To reduce existing risks, prevent new risks, and increase resilience to disasters.
What percentage of greenhouse gas emissions has fallen in the EU compared to 1990 levels?
32.5%.
What was the EU’s energy import dependency rate in 2022?
62.5%.
What are the five main aims of the EU’s energy policy according to the Energy Union?
- Diversify Europe’s sources of energy
- Ensure energy security through solidarity and cooperation
- Promote energy efficiency
- Support renewable energy sources
- Foster the internal energy market
What significant milestone did wind power achieve in the EU in 2023?
Wind power overtook gas to become the EU’s second largest source of electricity behind nuclear.
In 2023, 221 GW of wind power was installed, with 16 GW added in that year.
What treaty introduced energy as a competence in the EU?
The Treaty of Lisbon.
This treaty marked a significant step in EU integration regarding energy policy.
List the five main aims of the EU’s energy policy according to the Energy Union.
- Diversify Europe’s sources of energy
- Ensure the functioning of a fully integrated internal energy market
- Improve energy efficiency and reduce dependence on energy imports
- Decarbonise the economy
- Promote research in low-carbon and clean energy technologies
What is the current EU energy target for renewable energies in final energy consumption by 2030?
42.5%, with an aim of achieving 45%.
This target reflects the EU’s commitment to increasing the share of renewables.
What does the ‘Fit For 55’ package aim to achieve?
Align all climate and energy targets.
It serves as a framework for achieving the EU’s climate goals.
What are the five areas addressed by the national energy and climate plans (NECPs)?
- Energy efficiency
- Renewables
- Greenhouse gas emissions reductions
- Interconnections
- Research and innovation
What is the main goal of the RePowerEU plan?
To end dependency on Russian fossil fuel imports.
It was introduced in response to the energy crisis exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.
What is one of the key actions to reduce energy demand under RePowerEU?
Consume less.
Includes recommendations to cut gas and oil demand by 5%.
True or False: The EU has achieved its voluntary target to reduce gas demand by 15%.
True.
Natural gas demand declined by 18% between August 2022 and March 2024.
What is the new target for renewable energy by 2030 under RePowerEU?
At least 42.5% of the EU’s energy will come from renewables.
The ambition is to achieve 45%.
What is the target for solar energy production by 2030?
At least 700 GW.
This is an increase from 259.99 GW in 2023.
What is the purpose of the EU Solar Energy Strategy?
To accelerate solar energy deployment in the EU.
It includes initiatives like the European Solar Rooftop Initiative.
Fill in the blank: The Energy Efficiency Directive establishes _______ as a fundamental principle of EU energy policy.
energy efficiency first.
What is the binding target for energy consumption reduction by 2030 under the Energy Efficiency Directive?
11.7% reduction compared to 2020.
This is legally binding for EU member states.
What is the main funding tool for the REPowerEU Plan?
The Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF).
It was established to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19.
What is the goal of the New Bauhaus Initiative?
Transform the built environment towards sustainability, inclusion, and aesthetics.
It supports the EU Green Deal transition.
What percentage of renewable hydrogen is targeted in total hydrogen consumption by 2030?
42%.
This is part of the Renewable Energy Directive’s new targets.
What is the target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector by 2030?
At least 60% reduction compared to 2015.
The goal is to achieve a decarbonised, zero-emission building stock by 2050.
What did the European Commission propose to protect consumers in the new electricity market design?
Increased availability of fixed-price contracts and clearer information.
This is part of the response to spikes in energy prices.
What percentage of the EU’s electricity systems is targeted for interconnection by 2030?
At least 15%.
This is part of the EU’s broader energy integration goals.
What is the EU external energy engagement strategy based on?
9 Memoranda of Understanding; global pledges
What are the global targets set by the Global Pledge on Renewables and Energy Efficiency at COP28?
- Triple the installed capacity of renewable energy to at least 11 terawatts (TW)
- Double the rate of global energy efficiency improvements from roughly 2% to 4% by 2030
What is the main goal of the Global Methane Pledge launched at COP26?
Reduce global methane emissions at least 30% from 2020 levels by 2030
What percentage of EU carbon emissions is attributed to transport?
25%
According to the EU Green Deal, what is the target for transport emissions by 2050?
Cut 90% of its emissions
What is the target for average emissions of new cars by 2030?
55% reduction
What are the emission reduction targets for new lorries by 2025 and 2030?
- 15% by 2025
- 30% by 2030
What does the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy aim to achieve by 2030?
- 30 million zero-emission cars in operation
- 100 climate neutral cities
- Double high-speed rail traffic
- Carbon neutral scheduled collective travel for journeys under 500 km
- Large scale deployment of automated mobility
- Market-ready zero-emission marine vessels
What is the interim target for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) under ReFuelEU Aviation by 2030?
6%
What is the goal of the FuelEU Maritime regulation by 2050?
Reduce greenhouse gas intensity of fuels by 80%
What are the electric vehicle charging infrastructure targets under AFIR?
- Electric recharging stations for cars every 60 km
- Heavy lorries every 120 km
- Hydrogen refueling infrastructure every 200 km
What is the completion target for the core TEN-T network?
2030
What is the primary objective of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)?
Support farmers and improve agricultural productivity
What percentage of the EU budget is earmarked for supporting farmers under the CAP?
About one third
What major reform marked a shift from market price support to direct income support for farmers?
1992 MacSharry reform
What are the current CAP objectives?
- Support farmers and improve agricultural productivity
- Help tackle climate change
- Maintain rural areas and landscapes
- Keep the rural economy alive
What are the two funds currently supporting the CAP?
- European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF)
- European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)
What is the largest CAP recipient country?
France (17.1%)
What are the three types of measures in the CAP 2023 - 2027?
- Income support
- Market measures
- Support for rural development
What is the aim of the European Mobility Framework?
Make mobility more sustainable
True or False: The CAP was introduced in 1962.
True
What do Member States develop according to the objectives of CAP?
CAP Strategic Plans
These plans must be approved by the Commission and are reviewed every two years.
List the 10 objectives of the CAP.
- to ensure a fair income for farmers
- to increase competitiveness
- to improve the position of farmers in the food chain
- climate change action
- environmental care
- to preserve landscapes and biodiversity
- to support generational renewal
- vibrant rural areas
- to protect food and health quality
- fostering knowledge and innovation
What are the two types of conditionality in the new CAP?
- Statutory management requirements
- Nine Good agricultural and environmental conditions (GAEC)
What are echo-schemes in the context of the new CAP?
Funding mechanism to allocate 25% of funding towards environmental goals
Echo-schemes support climate, biodiversity, and animal welfare.
What percentage of direct payments budget is allocated to support young farmers?
At least 3%
This includes installation and cooperation schemes.
What are the 8 different direct income support measures in the new CAP?
- basic income support for sustainability
- payments for small farmers
- complementary income support
- eco-schemes
- coupled income support
- crop-specific payments for cotton
- sectoral interventions
- projects on rural development
How many beneficiaries receive direct payments each year under the CAP?
More than 6 million
What are the two main changes introduced in the 2024 CAP reform?
- Simplify the rules and cut red tape for farmers
- Ensure greater flexibility in relation to environmental requirements
True or False: Small farms under 10 hectares are exempt from checks and penalties related to environmental requirements.
True
What is the Farm to Fork Strategy aimed at?
Making food systems fair, healthy, and environmentally-friendly
List the four specific objectives of the Farm to Fork Strategy.
- sustainable food production
- sustainable food processing
- sustainable food consumption
- prevention of food loss and food waste
What is the target for organically farmed land by 2030 under the Farm to Fork Strategy?
25% of the EU’s agricultural land
What does PDO stand for?
Protected Designation of Origin
What is the purpose of EU quality schemes?
To safeguard the heritage of Europe’s agricultural products and provide market opportunities
What is the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy?
Regulates fisheries and aims to conserve biological resources of the sea
What is the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in relation to the EU?
Up to 200 miles from the coast
What is the main objective of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund introduced in 2013?
To support sustainable fishing and protect marine ecosystems
What percentage of the EU population lives in rural areas?
20%
What is the purpose of the EU agri-food chain Observatory (AFCO)?
To improve transparency in the agri-food supply chain
The Doha Round is associated with which trade negotiations?
WTO trade negotiations
What is the significance of the term ‘eAmbrosia’?
Legal registration data for food and agricultural products, wine, and spirits
What is the main goal of the structured dialogue outcomes presented on 4 September 2024?
To outline 10 political guiding principles and 14 recommendations for farming and food in Europe
What does GAEC stand for?
Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions
Fill in the blank: The CAP Strategic Plans are reviewed _______.
once every two years
What is the role of the European Fisheries Control Agency?
To oversee fisheries control measures in the EU
