The European Green Deal symphony: conducting the net-zero transition

Show notes

The journey to net-zero emissions requires thousands of different policy interventions at all sorts of different times and across all sectors. Similarly, an orchestra is made up of many different instruments - all of which have to play the same tune at the right time! The conductor makes sure that all these different instruments do exactly that. Likewise, a governance framework plays that role in climate policy: it makes sure that all the policies are playing the same tune, working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect and restore nature.

Of course, there are many questions associated with governance of the European Green Deal: What does governance mean and how does it play out in the EU context? Why is it important to consider viewpoints, ideas and needs from different social groups, stakeholders and scientific experts when designing policies – and how to do it? What is the difference between binding instruments, such as laws and non-binding ones, such as strategies? And why are non-binding initiatives still valuable in influencing EU governance landscape?

In the latest “Green Deal – Big Deal?” podcast episode, the hosts Ewa Iwaszuk and Nick Evans from Ecologic Institute discuss these questions, together with their interview guests Claire Dupont (University of Ghent) and Sharon Turner (independent expert associated with European Climate Foundation and University of Sussex). The two guests explain their understanding of EU governance, how it has evolved over the years, and its crucial role in shaping Europe’s future.

Find out more about the "Green Deal - Bid Deal?" podcast and webinar series on our website or follow us on Instagram at @greendealbigdeal.