The climate emergency and geopolitical crisis are accelerating Europe’s energy transition. But this process brings with it environmental and social challenges that require strategic and integrated planning.
The energy transition in Europe has gained momentum in recent years. With the war in Ukraine and the ensuing energy crisis, the need to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels has become even more apparent. At the same time, the European Green Deal set ambitious carbon-neutrality targets for 2050 and encouraged the replacement of fossil fuels with renewables. However, the accelerated expansion of clean energy projects raises important questions about their social and environmental impacts.
Renewable energy: climate solution or new environmental challenge?
The transition to renewable sources, such as solar, wind and green hydrogen, is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the rapid growth of these projects has raised concerns.
On the one hand, the expansion of renewable energies is an effective tool for combating climate change. Large solar and wind farms are being installed across Europe to guarantee a more sustainable energy supply and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. In addition, the development of green hydrogen, produced from renewable electricity, is emerging as a promising alternative for sectors that are difficult to decarbonise, such as heavy industry and transport.
On the other hand, these projects have environmental and social impacts that cannot be ignored. The construction of large solar and wind farms can lead to the destruction of natural habitats, affecting biodiversity. In some European countries there has been resistance to the installation of mega-farms in protected areas or next to local communities, where the landscape and quality of life could be affected.
Strategic planning and public participation
Effective strategic planning is essential to ensure that the energy transition is sustainable and fair. The location of projects must be carefully analysed, avoiding ecologically sensitive areas and minimising the impact on local communities. In addition, the participation of affected populations is crucial to ensure that energy solutions are well accepted and bring benefits to all.
Europe has been developing initiatives that promote citizen participation in the energy transition, including community energy projects and incentives for consumers to produce renewable electricity themselves. However, there are still challenges to overcome, particularly the need to speed up the licensing of projects without compromising environmental assessment.
The future of Europe’s energy transition
The road to a more sustainable Europe involves balancing the climate emergency with environmental and social protection. The energy transition is inevitable, but it must be done responsibly, ensuring that solving the climate crisis does not create environmental and social problems.
With proper planning and the active participation of society, Europe can lead the way in an energy transition model that truly sets an example of sustainability and climate justice.
Complementary activities
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
VIDEOS
LINKS
- Energia sustentável – a intervenção da UE | União Europeia
- O Pacto Ecológico e a Transição Energética em Portugal – Comissão Europeia
- Pacto Ecológico Europeu – Comissão Europeia
- The European Green Deal
- Hydrogen
- Situação atual: A energia está na base das ambições da Europa em matéria de clima — Agência Europeia do Ambiente
- “A independência energética na Europa é um tema relevante e atual” – ECO
