Green Deal - Big Deal?

In the finale of "Green Deal – Big Deal?" Season 1 we dive deep into EU ETS2, the EU's expanded emissions trading system, now encompassing buildings and transport. Hosts Ewa Iwaszuk and Aaron Best are joined by Sibyl Steuwer from the Buildings Performance Institute Europe and Matthias Duwe of the Ecologic Institute to discuss the complexities of integrating buildings and transport into the EU’s emissions trading system, exploring the challenges and opportunities this expansion presents. In the conversation, we unpack the concept of emissions trading, a market-based mechanism to determine a price for carbon through the trading of emission permits. Our guests explain the importance of complementary policies alongside the ETS to ensure effective decarbonization of the building and transport sectors – including reducing harmful subsidies, getting rid of polluting options and technologies, and creating attractive alternatives to switch to. The discussion addresses the fragmented nature of the building sector, the investment hurdles, and the necessity of aligning incentives for property owners and tenants to foster energy-efficient renovations and construction. We ask our guests about the Social Climate Fund and its potential to mitigate some of the equity concerns accompanying the rollout of ETS2. Find out more about the "Green Deal - Big Deal?" podcast and webinar series on our website [https://www.greendealbigdeal.eu/] or follow us on Instagram at @greendealbigdeal [https://www.instagram.com/greendealbigdeal/].

In this episode of "Green Deal – Big Deal?", we tackle the complex world of natural resources, a topic that underpins many aspects of Europe's ambition for a green future. In conversation with guests Janez Potočnik, Co-chair of the International Resources Panel, and Florika Fink-Hooijer, Director-General of DG Environment, hosts Aaron Best and Ewa Iwaszuk discuss how the use of natural resources is closely linked to the climate and biodiversity crises, highlighting the global nature of resource use and its impacts. The episode touches on the European Green Deal's approach to resource management, emphasizing the need for a systemic perspective that considers the interconnectedness of resource use, environmental impacts, and economic activity. Florika Fink-Hooijer shares her views on the importance of understanding the links between climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and resource depletion and advocates for sustainable and efficient resource use and extraction as a means to tackle these interconnected challenges. Janez Potočnik provides a global perspective on the issue, discussing the work of the International Resources Panel and the upcoming Global Resource Outlook. He stresses the importance of a systems-based approach to address resource challenges, moving beyond GDP growth as a measure of success to focus on meeting human needs more efficiently and sustainably. The conversation also explores the European Union's role in leading global resource policy and the circular economy. We discuss the geopolitical and economic implications of resource scarcity, the importance of resilience and sustainability in policy making, and the potential of the European Green Deal to inspire global action towards a more sustainable use of resources. Finally, the episode addresses the critical role of global cooperation in managing resources, highlighting the need for policies that support sustainable development and ensure that resource use is aligned with environmental goals. Find out more about the "Green Deal - Big Deal?" podcast and webinar series on our website [https://www.greendealbigdeal.eu/] or follow us on Instagram at @greendealbigdeal [https://www.instagram.com/greendealbigdeal/].

In this episode of "Green Deal – Big Deal?" we discuss what mud houses, 3D printers and beauty have to do with Europe’s journey to becoming a climate-neutral continent. Specifically, we speak with Alina Ujupan, part of the team behind the European Commission’s New European Bauhaus Initiative, and Edouard Cabay, winner of a recent New European Bauhaus prize for… Spain’s first 3D printed building using earth. The New European Bauhaus Initiative integrates science, technology, art, culture and community participation to propose a sustainable, beautiful, and inclusive future for the European Union. Our guests discuss with hosts Ewa Iwaszuk and Aaron Best the critical role of creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing environmental and social challenges, highlighting the initiative's impact on urban and community development, policy, and investment in sustainable projects. The episode explores the significance of the New European Bauhaus in addressing environmental and social challenges, the role of innovative building techniques in sustainable architecture, and the importance of community involvement in the green transformation process. Our guests explain the power of creative thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time and discuss how a blend of high-tech and low-tech solutions, coupled with a focus on local materials and community engagement, can lead to groundbreaking advancements in sustainable living and architecture. Find out more about the "Green Deal - Bid Deal?" podcast and webinar series on our website [https://www.greendealbigdeal.eu/] or follow us on Instagram at @greendealbigdeal [https://www.instagram.com/greendealbigdeal/].

What does Just Transition really mean? In this episode, we dive into the multifaceted nature of Just Transition, covering its environmental, economic, social, and political aspects. Podcast hosts Ricarda Faber and Aaron Best of Ecologic Institute are joined by guests Frank Siebern-Thomas, Head of Fair Green and Digital Transitions, Research Unit in DG for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, European Commission, and Ludovic Voet, Confederal Secretary, European Trade Union Confederation. Our guests help us explore the concept of Just Transition, unpacking the concept itself and discussing the transition needs of workers and citizens across the EU. Listen in to hear about recent success stories, discover the key challenges, and learn more about the Just Transition policies taking shape in the EU and its Member States. Find out more about the "Green Deal - Bid Deal?" podcast and webinar series on our website [https://www.greendealbigdeal.eu/] or follow us on Instagram at @greendealbigdeal [https://www.instagram.com/greendealbigdeal/].

The renewables race is on! Utility-scale solar photovoltaics and onshore wind are now the cheapest sources of new power in most countries, and according to a 2022 report by the International Energy Agency, renewables will account for over 90% of global electricity expansion over the next five years. These dramatic decreases in the price of wind and solar have pushed renewables from being also-rans to being front and center in the race to carbon neutrality. The EU now aims to achieve 42.5% of energy from renewables by 2040, with the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive providing the key framework for accelerating the adoption of renewable energy to meet that target. It’s a lot to keep track of, and the energy crisis stemming from the Russian invasion of Ukraine has only strengthened the EU’s resolve to shift to renewables by adding compelling energy-security arguments for reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports. To bring “Green Deal – Big Deal?” listeners up to date on this rapidly evolving topic, hosts Ricarda Faber and Aaron Best of Ecologic Institute are joined by Professor Johan Lilliestam of the Research Institute for Sustainability Helmholtz Centre Potsdam (RIFS) and Dr. Andrzej Ancygier of Climate Analytics. In the discussion, our expert guests shed light on the past, present and future of renewables in the EU, describing the major market shifts, policy events and technological developments that have made renewable energy one of the most exciting facets of achieving sustainability in Europe. What are the most interesting new technologies? Why are grids so important? What surprising bottlenecks are emerging within this fast-paced transition and how can they be addressed? Tune in for answers to these and other questions. Find out more about the "Green Deal - Bid Deal?" podcast and webinar series on our website [https://www.greendealbigdeal.eu/] or follow us on Instagram at @greendealbigdeal [https://www.instagram.com/greendealbigdeal/].