WWF and UN: European Union is inadequate using natural resources

The WWF has highlighted the slowness which the European Union faces the question of the use of polluting natural resources. Europe makes up 7% of the world’s population but exploits a fifth of its biocapacity, mostly through greenhouse gas emissions. According to data collected by the WWF and Global Footprint Network, Europe is running out of polluting natural resources too quickly, as confirmed by the latest UN report. Not only. The International Energy Agency has shown that the growth of renewable energy stopped last year. Extra 300GW of new capacity is need every year between now and 2030 to overcome emissions. 

Ester Asin, director of WWF’s European policy office, said: «EU Overshoot Day is a stark reminder that EU consumption is contributing to the Earth’s looming ecological and climate collapse. This is not only irresponsible, it is outright dangerous. Urgent action is needed, and EU leaders must summon the political will to treat this situation as an emergency and set us on a path towards a sustainable future for Europe». 

Mathis Wackernagel, president of Global Footprint Network, adds: «We are running a pyramid scheme, taking resources from the future to run today’s economy. It needs no reminder that this is risky for Europe’s prosperity. Choosing to deplete our future does not serve us». 

European politics, a few days before the elections, could welcome the alarm. Margrethe Vestager, EU’s competition commissioner and candidate for the Liberal, said that the WWF report it’s “a clear call to action”. «It is important – said Vestager - to get more people on board and say this is not only doable; it is also a wise thing to do. It is good for our living conditions, but there is also a business logic to it». 

Also the socialist Frans Timmermans, commission vice-president said that «if we make the shift to a more sustainable economy, to a more sustainable society, we do not jeopardise our level of wellbeing; we increase our levels of wellbeing». 

Finally Nico Cué, candidate for the Party of the European Left, exclaim: «We cannot continue this way. We need to change the way we consume and the way we build and create products. It is possible; it only requires the development of new production mechanisms and recycling schemes». 

Following protests and demonstrations for the climate change, France, Spain and other countries have demanded immediate action from the European Union, without however meeting unanimous support, especially from important countries such as Germany, Italy and Poland.