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Increasing Europe’s R&I budget is critical to grow the economy and fight climate change
(EurActiv, 8 Oct 2019) Without an increased investment in research and innovation, the European Union will be unable to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and will lose out to economic rivals on the competitive advantage this could present, writes Connie Hedegaard.
Connie Hedegaard was EU Commissioner for Climate Action from 2010-14. She serves on the board of the European Climate Foundation and in July was named chair of the EU mission board on Adaption to Climate Change including Societal Transformation.
According to a survey of EU voters in the last election commissioned by the European Parliament, the top two issues across the bloc were economic growth and combating climate change.
Yet without an increased investment in research and innovation the European Union will be unable to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and we will lose out to our economic rivals on the competitive advantage this could present.
Even if we deploy all the solutions currently available to us – from more renewable energy resources like wind, solar and geothermal, to efficient mobility, food production and adapting behavioural aspects – the EU simply won’t meet commitments made in the Paris Agreement.
Which is why the EU must increase Horizon Europe’s budget to €120 billion. It must also boost mission boards and lab-to-market programmes, take advantage of the potential in energy and resource efficiency, and place research and innovation at the heart of our transition to a cleaner, more prosperous society.
In the spring, the European Commission proposed a €100 billion Horizon Europe budget, with 35% set aside for climate mitigation. This is not enough, which was confirmed by the European Parliament’s position.
EurActiv, 8 Oct 2019: Increasing Europe’s R&I budget is critical to grow the economy and fight climate change
