The contribution of EU Mediterranean countries in reaching the 2030 climate and energy framework goals

Abstract

Unfortunately, the world has now reached a point where the impacts of climate change can be seen and felt everywhere. The sudden rise in the rate of climate change in our planet results from natural climatic changes; however, it is also attributed to our own excessive actions. Therefore, we must act now if we want to have a sustainable planet in which to live in the future. The European Union has always thrived as a global actor in all sectors, even in the case of climate change and the environment. Each Member State plays a major role; thus, even the minimal contribution from smaller states would be important. However, this is never enough, and thus, each entity, nation, state, government, business must improve on their targets and measures for a more sustainable future. The European Union has come together, and has established numerous frameworks and targets that its Member States must follow in order to reduce the impact we are imposing on our planet. The ‘2030 Climate and Energy Framework’, as part of the broader European Green Deal, sets out such goals that Member States must aim to reach by the year 2030 to lessen the damage we are causing our planet. By undergoing a document-based approach, this research looked into how three Mediterranean countries that are in the European Union are trying to assist in the fight against climate change towards reaching their own individual targets that will impact the Framework. The initiatives and policies set out by these countries are pivotal towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the usage of renewable energy, especially when one considers that the Mediterranean is perceived as a ‘hot spot’ for climate change that regularly suffers from its impact.