The European Union and its Struggle for Clean Energy Solutions

With the recent recession effecting the economy of the European Union there has been mixed opinions in regards to carrying out a plan for transitioning to clean energy in the European economy as a whole.

The EU has plans to cut emissions by 40% by 2030 and implement a series of actions to convert the union to using clean energy sources. The goal for a 40% cut as been met with both criticism and optimism by citizens and officials of the EU.

Some deem this plan to cut carbon emissions as an ambitious one due to various factors. One major factor is the recession as earlier mentioned.

One can claim that moving away from a traditional fossil fuel system can be expensive and the economy simply does not have the money to switch to a more technologically advanced clean fuel energy system.

Another argument that should be considered is that the European Commission’s plan to cut emissions is inadequate to meet the EU goal.

Jose Manuel Barroso the president of the European Commission recently spoke regarding the current issues of climate struggle. He has stated that a 40% cut to emissions overall is an unrealistic goal and that economic competition does not have to sacrifice environmental health.

He has also gone on to say that climate change is a major struggle of the current era which adds severity to the matter.

Furthermore, Connie Hedegaard the commissioner for climate action recognizes that a 40% cut is not an easy task wants to remain realistic about the situation. She also claims EU is far ahead of other large economies in their climate change efforts.

With all this talk about what a realistic plan should be in the eyes of the big wigs, the question of what an actual realistic plan would look like for clean energy in the European Union.

One positive note is that the European commission’s plan for at least 27% clean energy by 2030 has been virtually achieved. This goal was lobbied against by the UK which may show the endurance of the union and its ability to deliver for its citizens to create a healthy environment.

It has also been stated that contrary to popular believe, the price tag for a clean energy system in the European Union may not be the most limiting factor.

As a closing thought to consider, it is up to the EU member states to work together on creating a clean energy system and their ability to set aside opposing viewpoints to come to a mutual agreement.