A System Change Compass - Implementing the European Green Deal in a time of recovery [Summary]
The European Green Deal provides a timely North Star for a prosperous and sustainable Europe. However, as a political programme that bridges old and new theories of change, it is vulnerable. This report lays out an integrated systems perspective, based on a System Change Compass.
Never since the formation of the European Union has there been a better moment for Europe to transform itself on the inside and to lead on the outside. The European Green Deal (EGD) and a European COVID-19 response can – if handled well – address Europe’s climate, biodiversity, pollution, economic, political and health crises, and at the same time strengthen its institutions and reignite popular support for the European project. Efforts that, in their own way, support the EU’s delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Europe’s history is rich and full of turning points. The ongoing COVID-19 crisis may well be such a turning point.
First, our global and tightly coupled human-ecological system is failing. After decades of economic growth evaluated against GDP indicators, societal needs are still unmet, economic gains are shared unequally and the social contract is eroding.
Second, deep transformational change is needed, and we now know that when faced with an emergency, people and societies can make change work.
Third, we recognise that we struggle to bring this transformational vision to life. Business-as-usual proponents criticise the EGD as unaffordable or untimely.
Europe’s determination for a green and social recovery through a robust EGD sets the direction for a more sustainable, low-carbon, equitable and inclusive economy. By treating the EGD and COVID-19 crisis recovery as two sides of the same coin, the European Commission is demonstrating genuine leadership. This report is written at a critical juncture for the EGD’s success and, ultimately, for its implementation across European Member States.