EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL

The European Green Deal is an agreement that was accepted in 2020. It aims to make the economies of the countries in the European Union more sustainable. This agreement understands the importance of environmental factors in strengthening economies. It aims to reverse the problems related to climate and environment. The European Green Deal is an agreement made to prevent crises that may arise if climate problems cannot be prevented. These problems may have negative effects for all countries of the world, including the European Union countries. For example, the increase in fires and the occurrence of storms are among these problems. In addition, more frequent occurrences of heat waves are among the inevitable problems. If the above-mentioned problems are not resolved, many diseases that will adversely affect human health may occur. Natural habitats may also decrease gradually depending on these problems. Many natural habitats may even be on the verge of extinction. Various species may also face the problem of extinction. Environmental problems can pose a recession threat for very important sectors such as agriculture. Efficient use of natural resources is also among the goals of the Green Deal. It supports the dissemination of sustainable methods in all manufacturing industries. In this way, a transition to the circular economy system is planned, as some industries directly or indirectly cause environmental pollution.

Prevention of pollution is absolutely necessary for both humans and all living things on earth. Otherwise, many illnesses from heart diseases to cancer may start to be seen more frequently. Natural vegetation can also suffer permanent damage from this situation. The transition of sectors to sustainable methods is not an easy process. This requires investments, resources and improvements set by the Green Deal. 

The deal also makes plans about how to provide the necessary resources for the sectors to use sustainable methods. It is predicted that the economies will develop further with the implementation of the plans. For example, with the circular economy, new business areas will emerge. This also reduces the unemployment rate in the society. 

With the spread of industrialization, air pollution is also increasing. Harmful gasses such as methane, carbon dioxide and perfluorocarbons can be released into the air. This situation is called greenhouse gas emission. Greenhouse gas emissions play a major role in damaging the climate and the environment. One of the biggest goals of the Green Deal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by the end of the first half of the 21st century. In other words, it is to completely eliminate the harmful gasses released into the air.

In the figure below, the titles of “Greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate in EU-funded programs, interconnection of member states’ energy infrastructure, CO2 from vehicles” are taken as a result of the world’s 2020 data and 1 trillion dollars of investments to be made until 2030. The expected final figures are given.

What are the Strategies of the European Green Deal?

The Green Deal reveals that certain strategies must be followed for the transition to a circular economy. It is planned to reach the goals with 7 basic steps:

1. Orientation to Clean Energy Sources

The Green Deal encourages industries to use clean energy sources in their production lines. So what are clean energy sources? Another name for clean energy sources is green energy. Clean energy is the name given to the types of energy produced from natural resources. For example, clean energy can be produced from natural sources such as sunlight, water, wood, waves, tides and wind. These natural resources are renewable energy resources. So these resources are self-renewable. The Green Deal is one of non-renewable energy sources.

2. Sustainable Industrialization

The activities of industries are extremely necessary for the continuity of the economies of all countries. The consumption needs of societies are met by industries. In addition, countries carry out necessary economic activities such as imports and exports through industries. However, production processes can have some negative effects on the environment. Making industries sustainable aims to minimize these negative effects. Additionally, it provides a safe working environment for employees.

3. Construction and Renovation Policies

The Green Deal says that building and renewing activities should be done with energy efficiency in mind.

4. Embracing the Farm-to-Table Approach

Its farm-to-table approach aims to promote the purchase of local organic farming products by consumers. The concept of farm-to-fork is one of the methods of minimizing the negative effects of the consumption chain on the environment. In addition, consumers have access to locally produced and healthier food.

5. Environmental Pollution Prevention

Problems such as air pollution, water pollution and soil pollution directly affect climate and environmental problems. One of the strategies of the Green Deal is to eliminate this type of pollution.

6. Transition to Sustainable Transport System

There are factors that harm the environment during the production and use of transportation vehicles. In the sustainable transportation system, there are vehicles that do not need the consumption of natural resources. Accidents with transportation vehicles cause the death of millions of people every year. It is aimed to minimize these accidents with a sustainable transportation system. Walking and cycling are two of the sustainable modes of transport. In addition, sharing tools can be a step towards transition to this system. It is aimed to expand the environment-friendly motor vehicles called green vehicles under this strategy.

7. Biodiversity Conservation

Biodiversity, in its simplest definition, is the sum of all living things in a particular environment. All living organisms, from bacteria to plants, from fungi to animals, are part of biodiversity. Conservation of biodiversity is not only important for the living things in that environment, it is also of great importance for human life. A healthy ecosystem is maintained through biodiversity. Unsustainable production methods can be a threat to biodiversity. The Green Deal cares about replacing these methods with sustainable ones. Thus, biodiversity is preserved.

Which Countries Have Joined the European Green Deal?

The Green Deal covers the countries of the European Union. It also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in countries that are part of this union to zero by 2050.

What is the European Climate Law?

The climate law was adopted by the European Union in mid-2021. The green climate law is one of the core elements of the Green Deal. This law includes the measures to be taken in order to prevent the climate crisis of the countries in the union. It is a law that aims to prevent climate problems not only in European countries but also all over the world.

What is the 55 Harmonization Package?

The 55 harmonization package is also a package adopted in 2021. This package is also part of the Green Deal. It aims to make the countries in the union a leader in solving climate problems. It creates the necessary economic and social planning for this to happen, and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50% by 2030.

What are the Effects of Iron and Steel Production on the Environment and Climate?

The iron and steel industry has many effects on the environment. During the production processes of iron and steel products, harmful greenhouse gasses may be released into the air. In addition, various pollutants may be released into the waters. As a result of production activities, some harmful wastes may also occur. These harmful wastes must be disposed of with appropriate methods. Recycling may be one of the preferred methods. In fact, the iron and steel industry is among the top five industries that cause the most air pollution. However, it is possible to follow sustainable methods in the iron and steel industry. This industry also has advantages in terms of sustainability. For example, steel is a material that can be recycled countless times after it is produced.

SITM Sustainability Approach

If you are looking for a company that understands the importance of sustainability in the iron and steel industry, you can choose SITM products. You can easily take a look at the quality and innovative iron and steel products of SITM, which provides international service.