WWF remember that in a context of double climate crisis and of nature, European elections They offer a new opportunity to provide a coherent response to this challenge and offer Europeans a vision of a more sustainable, secure and fairer future.
European elections are important
From June 6 to 9, 400 million voters are called on to vote across Europe and renew the EU Parliament. In our country the European elections is celebrated on June 9, so WWF Remember that this date is crucial because the vote of the citizens will decide who will occupy the 705 seats of the European Parliament, what new direction the EU will take in the next five years and what type of Europe will develop at this stage .
Given the importance of these elections, of WWF They are launching the ‘Elections that Matter’ campaign to raise awareness about the importance of voting in these elections. They aim for a wide reach when it comes to raising awareness among potential voters about the need to participate in the June 9 elections by explaining what is at stake that day.
Setbacks in European environmental policy
The elections of the European elections will take place this year in an increasingly complex political context. In fact, the serious setback that environmental policy is suffering and the increase in voices against the European Green Deal are worrying.
The proposal to reduce wolf protection, the rejection of pesticide regulations, the environmental reduction of the CAP, the paralysis of regulations on sustainable food systems or the Nature Restoration Act are just some of the evidence.
Steps backwards fueled by the parties publicly demonstrating against the green transition, taking advantage of discontent in some sectors and blaming Europe for their problems. And for the parties that have decided to change their position in response to the social pressure caused by tensions in the streets, protests by farmers and ranchers or the proximity of other electoral processes.
Petitions and solutions for the climate and nature crisis in Europe
By WWF They urge leaders to end the calls, pause the adoption of new environmental measures and defend deregulation, whether on climate issues or nature conservation.
The safety and well-being of citizens are threatened and, moreover, they have been taken out of context. Not in vain has it become clear that global efforts are insufficient and that we are still far from meeting international obligations to halt the epidemic. global warming and stop the loss of nature.
WWF highlights three key actions that should be at the heart of EU policy in the coming years:
- End dependence on fossil fuels
- Prioritize nature for safety and resilience
- And leave no one behind.
The time to stop the climate crisis is running out
European citizens, and citizens around the world, are increasingly suffering from extreme weather events such as droughts, heat waves, floods and forest fires. Meanwhile, the loss of ecosystems and biodiversity continues, endangering the livelihoods of the population and further exacerbating the consequences of the climate crisis.
In fact, deaths from heat have increased by 30% in Europe over the past 20 years, with deaths from the pollution of our cities yet to be added. In 2021 alone, more than 300,000 people died in the EU due to high levels of air pollution.
In this context, the EU must set the target of achieving climate neutrality by 2040, keeping the 1.5°C target within reach and delivering on the Paris Climate Agreement, to avoid the worst of the climate crisis.
Another of the EU’s priorities over the next five years must be to redesign its economy to more quickly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and reap the benefits of healthy ecosystems. This includes tackling inequalities and ensuring that the most vulnerable communities and small businesses do not bear the heaviest burden of climate action. nature.
Hence the European electionsIt opens a new opportunity to propose a common, coherent response and offer citizens hope for a more secure and just future.
Statements from the WWF
Luis Suárez, conservation coordinator of WWF: “The Green Deal and the future of the European Union are at risk if we allow the European Parliament to be configured with a new majority made up of anti-European and European Union denial parties. climate change”.
“Given the importance of these elections, we encourage all citizens to vote. These elections are crucial not only because of what they represent, but also because of the decisive moment in which they are held. That is why we cannot stay at home on June 9. However, let us not forget that all political options are not equal. Let us cast our vote for those who ensure the common good and a green and sustainable future if we want to avoid further setbacks in the Union’s environmental policy.”