Major change needed for a green Europe, commissioner says

There is no “quick fix” solution to create an environmentally friendly economy—it will require a systemic change in government, research and economic policies, Janez Potočnik, commissioner for the environment, has said.

Speaking at the fifth European innovation summit in Brussels on 30 September, Potočnik, a previous research commissioner, said that there needs to be a coordinated effort from governments, business, researchers and citizens to push forward the Europe 2020 strategy. This includes an aim to cut emissions by 20 per cent in 2020, compared with levels in 1990.

“Awareness alone will not be enough to drive social and structural change, or to move niche success stories into the mainstream,” he said. “We need policies at all levels of governance to provide the structural conditions required to let people make more sustainable choices.”