Pathways towards Sustainable Transformation in the EU:
The Role of Industry
Industry was the spark that lit the fire of climate change during the Industrial Revolution, today it takes up the mantle of transformation. With the guidance of transformative governance of EU policy, it ought to smother most of the flames by 2040. This roundtable event will dive into the essential concept of alternatives to conventional (green) growth, such as degrowth, as viable pathways to achieve the commission’s suggestion of a 90% reduction in emissions by 2040 compared to 1990.
The key policy domains for this transformation will be threefold:
- Legislation, entailing rigorous regulations, such as prohibiting harmful substances, prioritizing labour over capital through tax reforms, extending product warranties, and enforcing product design standards that facilitate easy disassembly and recycling, aiming to transition towards a service-oriented industry.
- Incentives, shaping industry practices through tiered pricing structures for essential resources and reforming subsidy schemes to reduce reliance on fossil fuel subsidies could bring new perspectives for change.
- Technical assistance, enlightening and enabling businesses through grassroots initiatives, to emerge as the guiding light for transformation. However, the forthcoming transformation not only promises new opportunities but also brings challenges, such as potential unemployment due to industry downsizing and increasing competition from regions with less stringent environmental regulations.
This roundtable aims to investigate these requisite policies essential for taming the flames of climate change, bearing in mind the new hazards that may arise.
Speakers
- Emmanuelle Maire, Head of Unit for Circular Economy at the Sustainable Consumption and Production, DG Environment of the European Commission
- Lukas Bertram, Economist at the ZOE Institute for Future-fit Economies
- Tomas Wyns, Researcher at the Brussels School of Governance, VUB
Moderator
- Simon Otto, Researcher at the Brussels School of Governance, VUB
Click on the registration link for the speaker's biographies.
Timing
11h00 - 11h15: Introduction
11h15 - 12h00: Roundtable debate
12h00 - 12h30: Q&A
The roundtable debate series "Key Issues in EU Climate and Sustainability Governance" delves into pressing issues surrounding climate and sustainability governance in the context of the European Green Deal. Each debate offers a platform for exchanging unique perspectives, featuring a diverse panel of experts and stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, civil society and industry representatives.