Climate change is not just an environmental issue, but also a matter of social justice. MEPs Iratxe García Pérez and Mohammed Chahim emphasize that transitioning to a sustainable future must bring hope to all individuals and avoid leaving anyone behind. Amid extreme weather events, Europe is experiencing the impacts of climate change, with the most vulnerable communities and regions being impacted the hardest. The cost of climate change has already been staggering, with economic losses exceeding €650 billion since 1980 and 195,000 lives lost. The super-rich are mainly responsible for driving climate change, highlighting the need for reducing inequality as a key aspect of addressing the crisis.
The burden of climate change falls disproportionately on marginalized communities and regions, contributing to existing inequalities. Lower-income European countries are particularly affected, facing higher fatality rates and economic losses. The authors stress the importance of enacting adaptation policies alongside climate mitigation efforts to protect all Europeans from the costly effects of climate change. A comprehensive EU adaptation law is proposed to set clear targets and address social, economic, and environmental injustices. Investing in natural solutions and prioritizing vulnerable regions are key components of this proposed law.
The authors advocate for the establishment of a European Insurance Climate Fund to support individuals and businesses impacted by climate-related disasters. They call for sufficient funding for adaptation policies and emphasize the importance of large corporations, big polluters, and the ultra-rich paying their fair share towards climate adaptation. Additionally, they propose redirecting funds from the EU budget and the European Investment Bank to finance just adaptation policies. Fiscal policy is seen as a crucial tool in addressing climate change, with the need for a permanent investment tool at the EU level to prioritize social and climate priorities.
The authors stress that social justice must be at the core of any sustainable transition. Workers facing dangerous weather conditions, such as heatwaves, should be protected, and those in sectors transitioning away from fossil fuels should receive support for retraining and job security. Climate change is not just an environmental challenge but a social justice issue that must be addressed comprehensively. The transition to a sustainable future must prioritize social justice, inspire hope for the future, and ensure that no one is left behind. MEPs Iratxe García Pérez and Mohammed Chahim call for a Green Deal with a Red Heart, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and fairness in climate action.
