WWF remember that in a context of double climate crisis and of nature, european elections They represent a new opportunity to provide a coherent response to this challenge and offer Europeans a vision of a more sustainable, secure and equitable future.
European elections matter
From June 6 to 9, 400 million voters are called to vote and renew the EU Parliament throughout Europe. In our country the european elections will be celebrated on June 9, so WWF remember that this date is crucial, since 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 be drawn at this stage.
Given the importance of these elections, from WWF They launch the “Elections that matter” campaign to raise awareness about the importance of voting in these elections. They seek to have a great reach when it comes to raising awareness among potential voters about the need to participate in the June 9 elections, explaining what is at stake that day.
Setbacks in European environmental policies
The elections of the european elections will take place this year in an increasingly complex political context. In fact, the serious setback that environmental policies are suffering and the increase in voices against the European Green Deal is worrying.
The proposal to reduce wolf protection, the rejection of regulations on pesticides, the environmental reduction of the CAP, the paralysis of the regulation on sustainable food systems or the nature restoration law are just some of the evidence.
Steps backwards that have been fueled by parties that publicly demonstrate against the green transition, taking advantage of the discontent of some sectors and blaming Europe for their problems. And for the parties that have decided to change their position in response to the social pressures generated by tension in the streets, the protests of farmers and ranchers or the proximity of other electoral processes.
Petitions and solutions to the climate and nature crisis in Europe
From WWF They urge leaders to end the calls, to pause the adoption of new environmental measures and to defend deregulation, whether in climate matters or nature protection.
The safety and well-being of citizens is being endangered and, furthermore, they are out of context. Not in vain, it has been shown that the global efforts made are insufficient and we are still very far from meeting international commitments to stop the global warming and stop the loss of nature.
WWF highlights three key actions that must take center stage in EU policies for the coming years:
- End dependence on fossil fuels
- Prioritize nature for safety and resilience
- And leave no one behind.
Time to stop the climate emergency is running out
European citizens, and those 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 amplifying the effects of the climate emergency.
In fact, mortality linked to heat has increased by 30% in the last two decades in Europe, to which must be added those caused by the pollution of our cities. 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 goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2040, to keep the 1.5°C target within reach and deliver on the Paris Climate Agreement, to avoid the worst of the crisis. climate.
Over the next five years, another of the EU’s priorities must be to redesign its economy to more quickly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and reap the benefits of healthy ecosystems. This includes addressing inequalities and ensuring that the most vulnerable communities and small businesses do not bear the heaviest burdens of climate action and nature.
Hence the european electionss open a new opportunity to propose a common, coherent response and offer citizens hope for a safer and more equitable future.
Statements from WWF
Luis Suárez, conservation coordinator of WWF: “The Green Deal and the very future of the European Union are in danger if we allow the European Parliament to be configured with a new majority made up of anti-European and denialist parties of the climate change”.
“Given the importance of these elections, we encourage all citizens to go out and vote. These elections are crucial, not only for what they represent, but also for the decisive moment in which they are held. That’s why we can’t stay home on June 9. However, let us remember that all political options are not equal. Let’s bet with our vote on those that look after the common good and a green and sustainable future if we want to avoid further setbacks in the union’s environmental policy.”