Green economy

Write to us

For the public:

For media and journalists:

Contact EEA staff

Contact the web team

FAQ

A resource-efficient Europe: A resource-efficient Europe – Flagship initiative of the Europe 2020 Strategy The flagship initiative for a resource-efficient Europe under the Europe 2020 strategy supports the shift towards a resource-efficient, low-carbon economy to achieve sustainable growth. Natural resources underpin our economy and our quality of life. Continuing our current patterns of resource use is not an option. Increasing resource efficiency is key to securing growth and jobs for Europe. It will bring major economic opportunities, improve productivity, drive down costs and boost competitiveness. The flagship initiative for a resource-efficient Europe provides a long-term framework for actions in many policy areas, supporting policy agendas for climate change, energy, transport, industry, raw materials, agriculture, fisheries, biodiversity and regional development. This is to increase certainty for investment and innovation and to ensure that all relevant policies factor in resource efficiency in a balanced manner.
Located in Environmental policy document catalogue
Tackling climate change requires a shift to a resource efficient, low carbon and green economy: Climate change is happening. The current global average temperature is already about 0.7-0.8 degree Celsius above the pre-industrial level. Even if greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations had stabilized in the year 2000, temperatures are predicted to increase by 1.2 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level by the end of the 21st century.
Located in Articles
Water management in Europe faces rising challenges as ecosystems weaken: Water pollution and excessive water use are still harming ecosystems, which are indispensable to Europe’s food, energy, and water supplies. To maintain water ecosystems, farming, planning, energy and transport sectors need to actively engage in managing water within sustainable limits.
Located in Press room › News
COM(2011) 21: A resource-efficient Europe – Flagship initiative under the Europe 2020 Strategy
Located in Environmental policy document catalogue
Towards efficient use of water resources in Europe: This report makes the case for an integrated water management, starting with better implementation of existing legislation. Clean water is a vitally important natural resource, demanding careful management. It is essential for life and integral to virtually all economic activities, including producing food, energy and industrial outputs. The availability of clean water in sufficient quantities is not only a prerequisite for human health and well-being but also essential for freshwater ecosystems and the many services that they provide.
Located in Publications
Time for action - towards sustainable consumption and production in Europe: Located in Publications
Environmental pressures from European consumption and production - Insights from environmental accounts: Located in Publications
Europe's environment — The fourth assessment: Located in Publications
Sustainable use and management of natural resources: Located in Publications