Europe is losing momentum in greening its economy, and its former
leadership in this area is eroding rapidly. Indeed, after a 60% drop in
clean energy investment in 2013 compared to the 2011 peak, Europe has
become the global laggard in this regard.
Alongside this collapse in clean energy investment, due mostly to austerity and policy uncertainty, it is also disappointing to see that progress in energy efficiency – a key element on the path to decarbonisation – has been extremely modest to say the least.
According to Eurostat, between 1990 and 2010 EU27 final energy consumption grew by seven per cent; for the household sector the increase was 12%. The effects of energy saving investments, a priority of the EU2020 Strategy which placed the main emphasis on insulation and the retrofitting of buildings, are barely visible and achievement of the 2020 energy efficiency targets is seriously in question.
Much of the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions recorded in Europe was actually attributable to slow growth and recession. Europe, all in all, is losing clout.
Read more: Europe’s Fading Climate Policy Ambitions - Social Europe Journal
Alongside this collapse in clean energy investment, due mostly to austerity and policy uncertainty, it is also disappointing to see that progress in energy efficiency – a key element on the path to decarbonisation – has been extremely modest to say the least.
According to Eurostat, between 1990 and 2010 EU27 final energy consumption grew by seven per cent; for the household sector the increase was 12%. The effects of energy saving investments, a priority of the EU2020 Strategy which placed the main emphasis on insulation and the retrofitting of buildings, are barely visible and achievement of the 2020 energy efficiency targets is seriously in question.
Much of the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions recorded in Europe was actually attributable to slow growth and recession. Europe, all in all, is losing clout.
Read more: Europe’s Fading Climate Policy Ambitions - Social Europe Journal
