|
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
|
Green Plans in Action: European Union
The European Union has made some of its greatest progress in environmental protection in the past two decades, while at the same time growing from 6 to 27 member states. Many environmental pressures have been curbed, and some have even declined. Green planning approaches are most prominent in the Netherlands and to varying degrees in other countries in Western and Northern Europe. However, the European Commission has come a long way in addressing integrated environmental concerns in a comprehensive way through treaties, legislation and regulation, as well as innovations and investments in industrial best practices in all the Members States. The Commission's 6th Environment Action Programme takes a broad look at challenges and provides a strategic framework for the Commission's environmental policy up to 2012. The EU is increasingly seeking synergy between environment, innovation and competitiveness. It aims to support that synergy through the Sustainable Development Strategy, which was adopted in 2001 and renewed in 2006. Recently, the European Commission has adopted an integrated approach to energy (security), innovation and climate. It also has proposed a new climate change strategy aiming at 20% climate change reduction unilaterally by 2020, and 30% if others follow suit. The Sixth Environment Action Programme of the European Community 2002-2012 Short History |
|||||||||
 |
|||||||||
