EEAC Councils discuss a just and in-time coal phase out

The need for a ‘just and in-time’ transition to mitigate climate change is one of the central topics of COP24 in Katowice. Structural changes needed include a coal-phase out. However, such a phase-out will inevitably have socioeconomic consequences.So, what would a just and in-time transition look like when phasing-out coal in Europe? Several national and sub-national advisory councils on the environment and for sustainable development gathered in Berlin to discuss this question and debated the role of governments in the phase-out process.

Mr Folmer de Haan, chairman of the EEAC Working Group on Energy and Climate Change, presented an outcome letter, in which insights and messages resulting from the seminar are summarized. In the first part of the letter the general situation regarding the role of coal and the coal phase-out process is included. Special attention is paid to countries like Germany, the United Kingdom and Poland. In the second part of the letter, the situation surrounding terminated coal mining in the Netherlands is described and lessons learned are shared. The third part of the letter includes several preliminary recommendations with regard to a timely and just coal phase-out process. Click here for more information or use this link to read the outcome letter.

Arnau Queralt calls Think2030 paper ‘a knock on the EU’s door’

In partnership with GLOBE EU, the Institute for European Environmental Policies (IEEP) has created a new sustainability platform called Think2030. The EEAC Network is a proud partner in this relevant initiative. Informing a science-based agenda for European environmental policy beyond 2020, Think 2030 convenes a diverse range of stakeholders to discuss and propose solutions to Europe’s most pressing sustainability issues. The Think 2030 platform was launched on 17 October 2018 and launched the Think2030 synthesis paper last week. EEAC Network’s Chairman Arnau Queralt called the paper: “The knock on the door of European institutions, governments, political parties and civil society, just before the start of a decisive year!