The transition to zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 will have significant economic and social repercussions.
Low-income countries in Central and Eastern Europe that are economically dependent on energy-intensive sectors such as steel, cement, chemicals and automobiles will be put to the test.
Other existing jobs will have to be transformed and adapted to the new economy. To manage this change, account must be taken of the likely contraction and ageing of the Union’s workforce and the increasing number of jobs being replaced due to technological change (including digitisation and automation).
Without appropriate regulatory or mitigation measures, the transition risks placing a disproportionate burden on low income people leading to the emergence of some form of energy poverty.
The EU cannot pursue its long-term strategy in isolation, but must promote worldwide adoption of policies and actions that reverse the currently unsustainable emissions trajectory and establish proper management of the transition to a low-carbon future.
The transition can only happen if citizens welcome this change, are committed to it and see it as beneficial to their lives and those of their children.
Source: European Commission, COMUNICAZIONE DELLA COMMISSIONE AL PARLAMENTO EUROPEO, AL CONSIGLIO EUROPEO, AL CONSIGLIO, AL COMITATO ECONOMICO E SOCIALE EUROPEO, AL COMITATO DELLE REGIONI E ALLA BANCA EUROPEA PER GLI INVESTIMENTI
