The Paris Agreement sets a clear goal and a direction for the world to become climate neutral in the second half of the century, if it wishes to stop the warming of the planet beyond 1.5-2oC. The European Commission has put forward a proposal for the EU to become climate neutral by 2050, which is one of the foundations of the European Green Deal and is currently under discussion.
The implications of becoming climate neutral will be felt across society and economy, across sectors and in the lives of every citizen. While this transition can have overall positive impacts on the environment, society and economy, it will need to be managed ensuring equity and social justice. As European Commission works on the details for the Green Deal, including on the Just Transition mechanism that aims to address the socio-economic consequences of climate change policies, it is essential to get this right. The transition can only succeed if citizens are participating in the transition and the distributional impacts of climate action are addressed.