A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE IN OUR HANDS - To Parent Directory

A GUIDE TO THE EU’S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGYA SuStAinAbleFuture inOur HAndS“We do notinherit the Earthfrom our ancestors;we borrow it fromour children ”Lakota

european CommissionSecretariat-General1049 brusselsbelgiumall illustrations © abigail actonmanuscript completed in november 2007© european Communities, 2007Reproduction is authorised.

A GUIDE TO THE EU’S Sustainable Development STRATEGYA SustainableFuture inOur Hands

CONTENTS123456789General introduction .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07Climate change – Limiting the damage ................................... 13Sustainable transport – Easier, cleaner & safer .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Consumption & production – Smarter useof resources from start to finish ............................................ 29Natural resources – Protecting the world around us .. . . . . . . . . . . 37Public health – Health & wellbeing for all ............................. 45Social inclusion – Involving everyone in Europe’s future . . . . . . . . 53Global poverty – Closing the gap ......................................... 63Cross-cutting policies – Turning the dream into reality ......... 69Implementation & follow-up – Staying on track .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Sustainable Development General introductionGeneral introductionWorried about climate change? How to pay for your pension?Air pollution? Or perhaps it’s whether your child willfind a decent job? The European Union is tackling these andother issues that affect us every day – working to improvethe quality of our lives and to make our children’s futuremore secure. The EU’s Sustainable Development Strategyreaches across the board, from how we cut down our treesto the way we treat our elderly. Europe’s future depends onwhether it achieves the triple objectives of wealth creation,social cohesion and environmental protection.What is sustainable development?Defined as “development that meets the needs of the presentwithout compromising the ability of future generations to meettheir own needs”, sustainable development was the main themeof what is often called the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in1992. It was here that world leaders signed up to conventions onboth climate change and biodiversity. They issued a declaration atthe end of the summit, listing 27 principles on the environmentand sustainable development.© Getty07

General introductionWhat are the EU’s goals?The EU has its own strategy on sustainable development dealingwith most of the Rio challenges covering economic, environmentaland social issues. It lists the following seven key challenges:• Climate change and clean energy• Sustainable transport• Sustainable consumption and production• Conservation and management of natural resources• Public health• Social inclusion, demography and migration• Global povertyThe Renewed EU Sustainable Development Strategy (‘renewed’because its has been updated from the first which was formulatedin 2001) sets out how we can meet our needs without making thequality of life worse for generations to come.In February 2005 the European Commission took stock of theprogress that had been made and came to the conclusion that thesituation was deteriorating. So in a bid to halt the destructive trendsleading to the exploitation of natural resources and environmentaldegradation and to deal with unemployment, immigration andpublic health, the EU Council adopted the strategy in June 2006.In 2007 a progress report was published and can be found on thesustainable development website at: ec.europa.eu/sustainable/The first, specific long-term objective is to limit climate changeand the EU will put pressure on its countries to meet the commitmentsthey signed up to in 1997, through the Kyoto Protocoland the most recent targets agreed between the heads of state atthe Spring European Council in March 2007 to reduce greenhousegases by 20 percent by 2020. How the targets can be met is thesubject of a wide range of programmes and laws.Although this stays at the top of the list, emphasis has also beenplaced, among other areas, on solidarity between generations.Closing the poverty gap is a key thread of the strategy and itoutlines ways of doing so, such as increasing employment, puttingeffective social welfare into place and making sure education andtraining are flexible and widespread enough to appeal to all.08

General introduction© CorbisThe EU is also very focused on the reality of an ageing populationso pensions, health care and long-term care systems come underthe spotlight. To support the demographic change, young peopleneed to be helped into work; the older generation encouragedto stay active longer; gender equality has to become a reality, andmigration to be handled intelligently.Another point of focus is public health, together with food safety,the dangers posed by chemicals in the environment and pollution.The threats to our health caused by the way we choose to live -smoking for example - are also targeted in the renewed strategyas is our general well-being and mental health.Improving the management of our natural resources is also vital.New rural development programmes, a reformed fisheries policy,frameworks for organic farming and animal welfare, and an emphasison sustainable forest management are all being harnessedin the fight to protect the world around us.How is the EU going to achieve its goals?Educating and training: The Commission recognises the importanceof education for all ages and levels, throughout the EU. In2006, the European Parliament and Council adopted a lifelonglearning programme to run 2007 – 2013. This is part of an overallaim to increase the skills needed to create a modern Europe andto give everyone the chance to play an active role in society.09

General introductionResearch and development: Universities, research institutes andprivate companies all have a role to play in finding a way to ensuresustainable economic growth and environmental protectionreinforce each other. To encourage the most original thinkers toproduce results, the Commission has set aside over €50bn forthe 2007-13 period in grants under a pan-European funding programmefor research called the Seventh Framework Programme.Hopefully this will open the way for new discoveries that can helpEurope answer its pressing social, environmental and economicchallenges.Using the economy to bring about change: The EU wants to seeprosperity and growth benefiting everyone without causing moredamage to the world in which we live. Tax incentives for ‘clean’practice and changing what is subsidised all help to put moneywhere it will have the best effect. A shift in taxation from labourto environmental issues can also change the public’s behaviour. Forexample, the Swedish government in 2001 increased taxes on diesel,heating oil and electricity and lowered income taxes and socialsecurity contributions. As a result, Sweden has been able to lowerits greenhouse gas emissions more quickly than anticipated. Andin Denmark, a tax on extremely toxic nickel-cadmium batteriescaused customers to switch to less toxic alternatives.Communicating: Sustainable development is at the heart of theEU’s actions and, in order to maximise success, the EU is emphasisingthe importance of communication. People, at all levels, needto get together to share their experience of which policies workand which don’t. Businesses need to talk with their local authorities,national governments with the EU, and regional governmentswith their citizens. Taxes need to be explained, the logic behindmeasures from local recycling projects to spending on third worldpoverty needs to be understood by everyone.Staying on track: Words must be put into action. Starting in 2007the Commission will submit a progress report every two years,covering all that has been done throughout the EU to promotesustainable development. Other tactics include: ensuring that policymakers from different EU nations learn from each other; the sharingof information, and the development of a set of indicators toshow precisely what is working and what is not.010

General introductionMaking a differenceThese goals are not just pie in the sky. There is a clear awarenessthat now is the time to put the measures, outlined in this booklet,into practice. To do so, a two-pronged attack is necessary and thisis where the notion of active citizenship comes in.Legal measures, tax incentives, polluter pays - all these elements putus on the right track to sustainable development. But if we don’t doour part to meet the challenges facing us in this generation, futuregenerations will inherit a world that is impoverished.The purpose of this booklet is to let you know what is being doneby the EU and what can be done by individuals. We will outlinethe measures taken at EU level and offer simple, practical ideasthat can be applied on a day-to-day basis by you. You and the EUtogether can make sustainable development a reality.011

Sustainable Development Climate change012

Sustainable Development Climate changeClimate changeLimiting the damage1CHAPTERClimate change is no longer a distant threat, it’s here nowand it’s speeding up. Around the world, many areas arealready struggling to cope with rising temperatures. So far,we’re talking about a global average of 0.76°C comparedwith the beginning of the industrial revolution. But the trendlooks set to continue and its impact to get worse.Europeans are feeling the effects of global warming:droughts, floods, heat waves and forest fires are all becomingmore and more frequent. This is just a taste of what’s instore. Climatologists at the UN’s Intergovernmental Panelfor Climate Change (IPCC) warn us of a further rise of asmuch as 4°C between 1990 and 2100.What we’re seeing now is largely the result of billions oftonnes of CO 2released into the atmosphere each dayfrom burning coal, oil and natural gas. These fossil fuelsprovide us with the energy we need to run our cars, heatour homes and light up our offices. But we’re sitting on atime bomb. Not only is our environment going to suffer,but our economy and society too.© Corbis013

Climate changeSituation on the groundLong considered hypothetical, the effects of climate change arenow unmistakable. From cooler winters to hotter summers, ourseasons are increasingly marked by extremes in weather. Elevenof the world’s twelve warmest years on record occurred between1995 and 2006. And while this was welcome for some, it wasdevastating for many.The scorching heat wave that hit Europe in the summer of 2003claimed 35,000 lives, approximately half from France. Many alsodied in Germany, Spain and Italy. Temperatures in the UK exceeded38°C for the first time ever recorded. These heat wavesare projected to increase in both frequency and intensity in theyears to come. But if Europe is already struggling to cope now,what will it be like then? In the twentieth century, the temperaturein Europe increased by 0.95°C compared with the global averageof 0.76°C.It’s not just hotter and colder seasons that we’re experiencing,but wetter and drier ones too. A contrasting picture is formingin Europe, with the north becoming wetter (10-40% since 1900)and the south becoming drier (up to 20% since 1900). The resultingfloods on one hand and droughts on the other are having aconsiderable impact on agriculture and water sources. If currenttrends continue, this can only get worse.The economy is also affected - extreme weather conditions areblamed for 79% of economic loss due to catastrophes. On averagethere were twice as many incidents of disastrous weather conditionsin the 1990s than in the 1980s.Patterns are emerging in the ecosystem too. Certain plant speciesare moving northward now that the climate is warmer, increasingdiversity in some areas and lowering it in others. Certain insectsare also taking flight, and ticks, for example, are being found furthernorth than ever before. The consequences of this appear to begreater tick-borne diseases in the Baltic countries and in centralEuropean countries.014

Climate change© SplashdownDirectPolar bears on their retreating glaciers in the Arctic are often aniconic image of the effects of climate change. But not so manypeople know about Europe’s own retreating glaciers. In the summerof 2003 alone, 10% of the remaining glacier mass in the Alpswas lost and it is estimated that 75% of the glaciers in the SwissAlps will probably have disappeared by 2050.With such widespread impact, only urgent action will do. “Climatechange is a global problem that needs global solutions, not in ten ortwenty years’ time but right now,” European Commission PresidentBarroso said, during a trip to Greenland to see the effects of globalwarming first hand.Europe is already affected but those who will suffer the most arethe developing countries, where the climate is already warmer andlivelihoods are largely dependent on agriculture.The challenge is a complex one. Today our main energy sources arefinite reserves of fossil fuels which take millions years to replenish.There is a danger that at current consumption levels these reserveswill run dry. What’s more, the International Energy Agency forecastsa 60% rise in energy needs between 2000 and 2030.With no one miracle energy source, the only solution lies inincreasing efficiency and finding alternatives, while making full useof renewable sources.015

Climate changeWhat the EU’s doingSince the mid-1990s, when the IPCC first established a clear relationshipbetween human activity and climate change, the EU hasbeen intensifying its efforts to tackle the threat posed by climatechange. Under the 1997 Kyoto Protocol signed by 140 countries,the EU-15 as a whole committed to cutting its greenhouse gasemissions by 8%, from 1990 levels, by 2012.Most recently, at the European Council on 9 March 2007, leadersagreed on a comprehensive package of measures, establishing anew integrated climate change and energy policy. This would goabove and beyond all previous commitments. Its targets include:• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the EU by 20% by2020, and by 30% if international agreement is reached• Improving energy efficiency by 20% by 2020• Raising the share of renewable energy to 20% by 2020• Increasing the level of biofuels in transport fuel to 10%by 2020A quick glance at the main sources of greenhouse gas emissionsin the EU reveals that the sectors most responsible are energy,industry and transport, followed closely by households andagriculture.Transport 19.4%Energy industries 32.1%Industry 20.8%Agriculture 9.2%Household andservices 15.5%Other 3.0%Sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU-2004 (European Environmental Agency)016

Climate change© CorbisDidyou know…Recycling aluminiumrequires ten times lessenergy than producingit from scratch.To identify and develop targeted means of mitigation, the EU setup a European Climate Change Programme in 2000. By consultingbusinesses, scientists and NGOs, this programme draws up waysin which the EU can reduce its own emissions which account for14% of global emissions. It has so far identified 40 areas, whichtogether can reduce Europe’s emissions by up to 16% comparedwith 1990 figures.Its major achievement has been the Greenhouse Gas EmissionsTrading Scheme which began in 2005. This is the largest multicountry,multi-sector emissions trading scheme in the world. Ithelps countries reach their CO 2obligations under the 1997 KyotoProtocol agreement by teaming up an over-producing country withone that is under its Kyoto limit. The over producer then pays forthe right to use the spare capacity of the other country concerned:in the end, both emit no more than the amount agreed on.A set of measures under the Ecodesign Directive is being developedto ensure that cost-effective improvements are made to themost energy-hungry products. Minimum energy efficiency requirementswill be combined with clearer labelling for these products.It is estimated that improvements to central heating boilers andwater heaters alone could lead to 3% less overall emissions by2020 (compared with 2004).Through the Energy Taxation Directive, the EU will seek to discouragepollutant behaviour and reward positive behaviourin terms of energy savings and environmentally friendlyactivities.017

Climate change© CorbisTransport is another sector with great potential for mitigatingclimate change and a number of legislative proposals are beingexamined. These include: adding aviation to the greenhouse gasemissions trading scheme; increasing the proportion of biofuelsused in transport; decreasing the carbon intensity of fuel, andrestoring a balance between different modes of transport.The EU is also working in partnership with key players to reversethe current trend towards an increase in energy needs byidentifying and eradicating the main forms of energy waste: newenergy technologies are to be developed to increase the efficiencywith which energy is generated and consumed. They will benefitfrom massive investment thanks to the EU’s Seventh ResearchFramework Programme for 2007-2013. Products, buildings andservices will all be made more energy efficient and fossil fueltechnologies made cleaner.018

Climate changeRenewable energy is also being looked at as a way to furtherincrease sustainable energy sources. Through water power, solarenergy, biofuels, biomass and geothermal energy, the EU aims toguarantee that 20% of its overall energy mix comes from renewableenergy sources by 2020. Biofuels figure highly in this mix andare to supply 10% of petrol and diesel needs in the EU by 2020.Sweden currently leads Europe in its use of biofuels - with 2.3%.It is followed by Germany, the Czech Republic and France.While each renewable source has its pros and cons, investmentin technology will ensure that the EU harnesses the potential ofrenewables as fossil fuel-replacing sources. Another alternativesource is biomass and this is where the EU’s Biomass Action Plancomes in. Biomass includes anything that is solid and organic likewood and wood waste, straw, crop harvest residues, vegetal andanimal waste. This substitutes more traditional sources like coal,petrol and gas, which are limited and polluting. Measured in termsof ‘tons of oil equivalent’ (toe), the EU estimates the action planwill help to increase biomass use to 150 million toe in 2010.Security of supply is a real concern. The New Energy Policy forEurope Action Plan, adopted by the European Council in March2007, has as one of its main aims the provision of secure energysupplies. But while the EU is principally concerned with its ownmember countries, it is not working alone. Several partnershipswith industrialised and developing nations exist.The EU has initiated an energy dialogue with Russia, for example.It hopes to ensure a high level of environmental protection andnuclear safety with this country that accounts for 7% of world CO 2emissions. Through the Kyoto Protocol’s flexibility mechanism,efforts are being made to modernise Russia’s energy sector andin doing so to promote energy efficiency and environmentallyfriendly technologies.With the USA, an energy saving programme, Energy Star, is inplace for office equipment. Computers, copiers, printers andcomputer monitors all have to meet demanding energy efficiencycriteria. This measure is expected to yield 30 TWh electricitysavings in three years – the approximate equivalent of Hungary’selectricity demand.019

Climate changeThe EU has been trying to rally China and India’s leaders to intensifycooperation on climate change. The idea would be to developclean coal technologies, increase energy efficiency and promoteenvironmentally friendly energy sources. And, if these countriescommit to reducing their emissions according to their capabilities,the EU has expressed its willingness to go a step further - increasingits own commitment to a 30% reduction.Making a differenceHouseholds are directly responsible for around 16% of the EU’sgreenhouse gas emissions, 70% of the energy used by householdsis spent on heating homes, 14% on heating water and 12% onlighting and electric appliances. Private car use is responsible foranother 10% of EU greenhouse gas emissions. The potential foraction is therefore vast!It is possible to calculate how much you contribute to globalwarming by using a carbon-dioxide footprint calculator. Thereare several tools available on the internet, such as the EU’s owncalculator: www.mycarbonfootprint.eu .By using this calculator you can discover how you can make yourlifestyle more sustainable without compromising your quality oflife. Luckily, some of the most effective things we can do are someof the simplest, and they save money.Opt for a cleaner mode of transport. Choose the train or businstead of the car and walk or cycle as much as you can. This goes along way to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. If you need to buya car, purchase one that consumes less fuel and emits less CO 2.Unplug electrical appliances when not in use. Even on standbythese appliances still consume energy – up to 60% of the powerthey use when on! Fit special light bulbs that consume less energy- these can last up to 12 times longer than ordinary bulbs and sowork out cheaper.020

Climate changeDomestic household appliances sold in the EU carry a label gradingthem according to their energy efficiency, with the grades runningfrom A (high energy efficiency) to G (low efficiency). Choosinghigher energy efficient products saves unnecessary emissions andencourages enterprises to invest in research and development.We all try to optimise the temperature of our homes. In the winterwe turn up the heat and in summer the air conditioning. But byinstalling home insulation we can reduce this need as our homesbecome more resilient to outside temperatures. Homes are oftenoverheated - a simple change like turning down the thermostat by1°C could easily go unnoticed, yet have a great impact. Not onlydoes this cut down in energy use but it can also knock as much as10% off your heating bill. We can achieve substantial reductionsby making clever choices.“Unplug,turn off,turn down ” 021

Sustainable Development Sustainable transport022

Sustainable Development Sustainable transportSustainable transportEasier, cleaner & saferCHAPTER2Didyou know…On average, each EUcitizen travels 35 km a day– 75% of this distance iscovered by carDoes your city suffer crippling congestion at rush hour?Are you forever trying to avoid the tailbacks you hear ofon radio traffic updates? Could the motorway you use bemistaken for a giant car park? You’re not alone. The wholeof Europe is affected, with seven and a half thousand kilometresof its roads blocked by traffic each day.The nuisance of overcrowded roads goes beyond timewasted in bumper-to-bumper traffic – the impact is alsodetrimental to our environment and our health. Road trafficcontributes massively to greenhouse gases. It accounts forone fifth of the EU’s total CO 2emissions which have risen26% between 1990 and 2004. And, in spite of road safetyinventions such as ABS brake systems and airbags, 40,000people still die on our roads each year.This is just one part of the picture – air travel is another.Flying looms large among environmental concerns as CO 2emissions from international air travel have soared by87% since 1990.© Corbis023

Sustainable transport© CorbisSituation on the groundReacting to the varying degrees of congestion, noise and air pollution,national and local authorities have been devising innovativeschemes to ease up the traffic on our roads.In Germany, the health conscious are hiring bikes from the Calla-Bikerental service now running in Berlin, Cologne, Munich andStuttgart. In northern Italy, roads are now car free on Sundaysthanks to the participation of several regions and more than fourmillion citizens. In Paris, the area around the river Seine is free fromtraffic and open to pedestrians, rollerbladers and cyclists on Sundaysand public holidays, thanks to the Paris Respire initiative.In London, congestion charges are levied on motorists entering thecentre, and plans are in the pipeline to introduce discounts for theleast polluting vehicles. Surcharges for the most polluting vehicles,such as the gas-guzzling 4x4s and sports cars, are also on the way.A new demand-responsive bus service in Krakow, Poland, allowscitizens living in suburban areas to reach the city centre morequickly and comfortably. Public transport can be ordered simplyby calling a special telephone number.The complete bus fleet in the Austrian city of Graz now runs onbiodiesel made from reused cooking oil from households andrestaurants. And a biodiesel service station was opened in 2003which allows people to buy biodiesel directly.While these approaches all contribute to curbing pollution andboosting a cleaner, more balanced transport system, their effectivenesswill be limited until there is some form of central coordination.This is where the EU comes in. By providing central coordination,the EU makes these initiatives more than just a postcode lottery,so that all can benefit, not just the lucky few.024

Sustainable transport© CorbisDidyou know…A person flying from Londonto New York and back willgenerate around the sameemissions as an averageEU family heating theirhome for a yearWhat the EU’s doingIdeally traffic would never clog up our roads, people would favourthe cleanest and most efficient modes of transport, and clean fuelwould put an end to toxic fume-filled air. But much still remainsto be done to get this concept off the drawing board and ontothe streets. This is why the EU has decided to coordinate actionin a number of key areas:• Reducing pollutant emissions to minimise effects on humanhealth and the environment• Achieving a balance in the frequency of use between differentmodes of transport• Cutting vehicle CO2 emissions, targeting 140g/km by 2009and 120g/km by 2012• Halving the number of road deaths (compared with 2000)by 2010The EU’s Eurovignette Directive, established in 1999, encouragesmember countries to apply tolls for heavy goods vehicles reflectingthe environmental impact of freight transportation. This initiativewill reward drivers with less polluting vehicles.Currently, one out of every nine freight deliveries in Europe arriveslate due to road congestion. And, with trends pointing to a 50% risein freight transport by 2010, action is sorely needed. The MarcoPolo programme sets out to restore the balance by encouragingthe use of combined modes of transport and by building moreefficient, cost effective and sustainable transport chains.For future action, the Commission has adopted a new GreenPaper on Urban Mobility. This Paper involves new approachesto encourage the use of sustainable and energy-efficienttransport solutions, including public transport and nonmotorisedtransport modes. It addresses all modes oftransport, including walking, cycling, motor cycles andmotor vehicles, and covers both urban freight (and logistics)and passenger transport. The Paper emphasisesthe need for an integrated policy approach.025

Sustainable transportTo cut vehicle CO 2emissions new legislation is in the pipeline - thisfollows the poor performance of car manufacturers on reachingthe voluntary target of 140g/km set in 1999 for 2009. Vehiclescurrently emit an average of 163g/km.Air travel has also been targeted and is proposed to come under theEU greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme from 2012 which allowsparticipating countries to buy or sell their emission allowances.This could cut CO 2emissions from aviation by 46% by 2020.To halve the number of road deaths in Europe by 2010, a string ofinitiatives are underway and are already proving effective. Thanksto the Trans-European Transport Network, Europe’s major roadsare becoming safer through better infrastructure and engineering.The most vulnerable road users – pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists– are safer too, with heavy goods vehicles now required bylaw to fit blind spot mirrors. Other road safety devices are beingdeveloped and promoted. An eSafety Aware campaign has beenset up to promote the use of Electronic Stability Control technologywhich is said to cut road accidents by more than 20%.026Making a differenceWherever possible, share your car. Parents know the benefits ofshared school runs. But how about sharing the car to work, pickingup a colleague or two on the way? And if you live in a town andthe public transport system could take you where you need to go,try it out if you aren’t using it already. Cars are habit-forming, tryanother way to get to work. You may find that not dealing with rushhour jams or fighting for a parking space is a more relaxing way tostart your day.Do yourself a favour - travel by bike. Not only does this have lessof an impact on the environment, but it also helps to keep you inshape. There are a number of public bicycle ranks sprouting up allover Europe - Germany’s Call-a-Bike, France’s Vélo à la Carte andthe Netherlands’ OV Fiets are just a few examples.If you are going to use a car, it’s important to consider safety:• Buckling up could save as many as 5,500 lives a year in theEU. Failure to wear a seat belt is the second biggest causeof road deaths after speeding and ahead of drink-driving• Smart driving - adapting your speed and anticipating is safer,saves fuel and money, and cuts emissions

Sustainable transport• Listening to music at a lower tempo – it’s not only speedthat kills. Listening to fast music also increases your chancesof having an accident• The colour of your car can affect safety - lighter cars aremore visible. Silver would appear to be the safest followedby white, yellow, red and blue• Fitting safety devices for children under 1.35 metres tallthat are adapted to their weight can vastly reduce the riskof serious injury“Make the most ofyour bike, get outinto the fresh air ”027

Sustainable Development Consumption & production028

Sustainable Development Consumption & productionConsumption & productionSmarter use of resources from start to finishCHAPTER3From disposable cameras to electrical goods that arecheaper to replace than repair, throwing things away ispart of everyday life. Think of everything you buy and usedaily and then consider the other 1.7 billion people whomake up our consumer society - they are all doing exactlythe same thing.Over the last few decades we have been enjoying higherstandards of living with more and more people making useof goods and services not available to them in the past. Butat the same time, the way we consume and produce theseproducts and services are the main sources of the pressureswe put on the environment. Our consumption and productionsignificantly exceeds the carrying capacity of our Earthon which our prosperity and well-being is based.These pressures continue to increase as the world populationkeeps on growing. The result? Urban sprawl, the qualityof our soil falls away, watercourses run dry or are pollutedand there’s a constant challenge to find ways to dispose ofall the things we throw away. We are mining minerals likethere is no tomorrow while our round-the-clock factoriespump out ever increasing amounts of greenhouse gases.These are just some examples of the hidden costs behindthe low price tag on intensively farmed meat or the latesttechno-gadget.© Corbis029

Consumption & productionDidyou know…In the 1960 an averageEuropean grocery had2,000 product lines.A modern supermarkethas more than15,000.Our consumption in the EU falls into four major categories: foodand drink; housing; personal travel and mobility and tourism.The negative effects of European production and consumptioncan be felt in other parts of the world. According tothe European Environment Agency, we are increasinglyusing resources from abroad for consumption in Europe,putting pressure on the environment in other regions ofthe world.Situation on the groundThe way we consume in modern society squanders resources andoften makes us spend large amounts on unsustainable products thatare less than beneficial to us and society at large. We need to createsustainable consumption which takes into account both economicefficiency and the greater social and environmental good.Buying things has become a cultural habit and shopping, in some EUcountries, is now a top leisure activity. Advertisements encouragechildren to spend their pocket money or influence their parents -UNESCO reports that revenues from advertising aimed at childrenhave reached up to €1bn a year, in the EU alone.How we make and buy things has to change.By 2050, with current trends, the global energy demand coulddouble as populations rise and developing countries expand theireconomies, we urgently need to develop products and servicesthat use fewer resources, to prevent needless waste of resourcesand to consume more responsibly.These are objectives that will take considerable effort to achieve.This is a common task for all: international organisations, publicauthorities, producers, retailers, consumers and people educatingour children and the public.© Corbis030

Consumption & production© CorbisWhat the EU’s doingAchieving sustainable consumption and production involves changingthe way we produce, buy and throw away. The EU has identifiedkey targets to make our consumption and production patternsless harmful:• Put an end to the destructive link between economicgrowth and damage to the environment• Encourage businesses and the general public to use objectsthat have been produced responsibly• Aim to get public authorities across Europe to buy productsand services that do not damage the environment.This is already being done in some countries. By 2010, theEU wants to get all countries in the Union to match thosecountries who are best at sourcing products and serviceswhich respect the environment• Increase the market in technologies and innovations thatare environmentally-friendly• Improve the welfare of animals both within the EU andbeyondOn a European level, objectives are being achieved through avariety of measures.In January 2004 the EU put into force its Environment TechnologyAction Plan (ETAP). Examples of environmental technologiesinclude recycling systems for waste water in industrial processes,energy efficient car engines and soil improvement techniques. ETAPfocuses on creating alternative ways of production that have lessenvironmental impact.The Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of NaturalResources was proposed in December 2005 and runs for 25years. It aims to ensure that the consumption of resources and theimpact involved does not exceed the environment’s capacity toregenerate. It is designed to help break the link between economicgrowth and resource use.031

Consumption & production© CorbisMaking a differenceYou buy, you vote, you have power. When shopping you makechoices. The decisions you make when you travel, choose whatto eat and live in your home will have an environmental impact.Price should not be the only element of your choice. By addinga few other criteria to your list you can make a difference. Hereare a few ideas.Travel and tourism have blossomed and grown tremendously inthe past half century. Knowledge of other places, other people,and other cultures can enrich our lives and enliven our world.But this growth sometimes threatens the very existence of theplaces that inspire our visits. Getting answers to questions aboutwaste treatment, hiring of local people, respect for native cultures,construction practices, traffic congestion, water supply, and carefor natural resources can both inform your choices and reinforcesustainable practices at your destination.Back at home, if you are shopping for household appliances makesure you buy those which are certified to be energy efficient. Lookfor an energy star or a grading such as “AAA” which indicatesthe machine will also save you money when you run it. Also keep033

Consumption & productionOften the manufacturer will have a responsibility to take it off yourhands. This can save you time and money.It’s time to consume intelligently, using better products that havebeen produced more responsibly.“Is it really broken? ”035

Sustainable Development Natural resources036

Sustainable Development Natural resources4CHAPTERNatural resourcesProtecting the world around usThere may only be 20 to 30 South China tigers left in thewild - with numbers so very low, it’s hard to be precise.We do know there are more privately owned tigers inAmerica alone than in the whole of the wild. Closer tohome, the Iberian Lynx population is so threatened that itmay well become the first big cat species to become extinctsince the sabre-toothed tiger. These are just a couple ofexamples of the impact we are having on the air, sea andland around us.Natural disasters and processes were behind the other fivemass extinctions seen in the geological record.This is the sixth and this time there is no debate over thecause – it’s us. Centuries of disregard for our impact onthe natural world has left us with more statistics than theplants and animals they represent.And it is not just animals and plants that are affected. Jointresearch carried out at the universities of Ausburg and Yalelooked at the supply of minerals left and estimated whenthey would run out, given current consumption trends.Their results for 2006 show we have 15 years left of platinum,15-20 of silver and 20-30 of zinc. They add that keyresources will run out even more quickly if some new technologiesbecome marketable and the population grows.© Corbis037

Natural resourcesFrom sharks to mice,the sixth mass extinctionis underway!51%53%40%birds12%mammals (goats)23%amphibians (frogs, toads)31%fishreptiles (lizards, snakes, turtles)invertebrates (insects, snails, crabs)Percentage of species classified as threatened* International union for conservation of nature & natural resources (2006)Didyou know…For decades people have beentalking of deforestation in theAmazon but Singapore has lost95% of its forests and, if the fellingremains at its current rate, SouthEast Asia may lose 74% of itsforests by 2100Situation on the groundYou would think that with supplies running out we would makebetter use of what we have. The United States Geological Survey(USGS) analysed the proportion of our consumption that is metby recycled materials and found that, globally, we recycle just 26%of the tin we use, 31% of the copper and 26% of the zinc.While the supply of minerals becomes exhausted under ground,above ground things are also looking grim. Coral reefs, cloudforests, prairies - all are being eroded by fishing or farming,impacted by trawling or cleared to make way for cattleranches, coffee or soy plantations. Civil engineeringprojects such as roads and dams tear up wildernessand silt up rivers.Climate change also has a large role to play: recentmodelling by the International Union forConservation of Nature and Natural Resources(IUCN) predicts dramatic reductions in sea ice coverageover the next 50 to 100 years due to globalclimate change. This will have a devastating impact on038

Natural resourcespolar bears. It is anticipated there will be a population reductionof at least 30% over the next 45 years as a result. Other threatsto the population include pollution, disturbance from shipping,recreational viewing, oil and gas exploration and development, andthe potential risk of over-hunting, both legal and illegal.In many countries around the world the need for a change ofapproach is recognised. At the end of last year 16.4 million hectares,an area the size of Portugal and Ireland put together, wasgiven protected status in the north of Brazil. The new protectedareas form the world’s largest conservation corridor, connectingthem to what was, until now, the biggest conservation area in theAmazon. This status will provide protection from illegal logging,soya farming and mining.A convention on biodiversity was signed by 150 government leadersat the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. It recognises that biologicaldiversity is about more than plants, animals and micro-organismsand their ecosystems – it is about people and our need for foodsecurity, medicines, fresh air and water, shelter, and a clean andhealthy environment in which to live.However, action taken voluntarily, such as the International WhalingCommission’s moratorium which aims to protect whales fromthe devastating consequences of industrial whaling, can be alltoo easily overturned. The moratorium is fragile and needs tobe rigorously defended against challenges notably from Norway,Iceland and Japan.Laws are needed. Cooperation to identify what must be doneand to make sure that targets are met is also vital: this is wherethe EU steps in.039

Natural resources040© CorbisWhat the EU’s doingMoves to halt global warming, efforts to manage the waste weproduce, capping fishing quotas, all show the EU’s determinationto turn the situation around.It has set itself the objective of improving the management andavoiding the overexploitation of natural resources in such a way thatour rate of use matches regeneration and has listed these goals:• Contribute to halting and significantly reducing the rate ofworldwide biodiversity loss by 2010 and beyond• Clean up degraded marine environments by 2015 whichwould be in line with the Johannesburg Plan (2002) andavoid the over-exploitation of fish stocks• Work towards the United Nations targets on forest protectionby 2015• Improve the efficiency of use to make a little go a long wayand so gain a competitive advantage• Promote recycling and cut down on the generation ofwasteThese aims are going to be achieved through a variety ofmeasures.Over 26,000 sites making up an area the equivalent of Germanyand Italy put together have been chosen under the Natura 2000programme, based on the Habitats and Birds Directive. These sitesnow form a European network of protected areas selected by EUcountries which are legally obliged to ensure their conservation.The EU has signed up to the United Nations convention on biologicaldiversity which recognises the importance of our naturalheritage. The 2006 EU Biodiversity Communication sets out adetailed action plan to respond to the challenge of halting biodiversityloss by 2010.Agriculture and fisheries have seen many recent changes, theCommon Fisheries Policy has been reformed and in farming theCommon Agricultural Policy has shifted its focus away from supportfor production of agricultural products to general supportfor farmers. New laws concerning animal welfare and organicfood production, hygiene and food quality, deal with concernsthat more intensive farming was to blame for ‘mad cow disease’,

© CorbisNatural resourcesdioxin in milk, artificial hormones in meat and other food-relatedhealth scares.The seas have suffered from pollution and over-fishing; now climatechange is having an impact. But the EU’s Marine EnvironmentStrategy aims to achieve good biological status for European watersby 2021. EU countries will have to present a detailed assessmenton the state of their seas, define what good environmental statusmeans to them in their regional seas, establish targets and set outmonitoring programmes. There will also be close cooperation withnon-EU countries who share the same waters. From 2008 it is thestated aim of the EU to make sure that their policies on maritimeaffairs will work together, across the board.Within the Water Framework Directive every river basin will beanalysed for its water quality, with specific focus on areas vulnerableto pollution. Quantity will be measured against demand forirrigation, energy generation, drinking water consumption andindustrial and ecological uses.In 2006, the EU ensured the protection of 38% of its forests andwoods. The Forest Action Plan runs from 2007 to 2011 and hasfour main objectives: to boost long-term competitiveness; improveand protect the environment; contribute to quality of life, andfoster coordination and communication.Looking after our natural resources doesn’t only mean protectingthem from exploitation, it also requires us to re-use and recyclewhat we can. What we can’t use again has to be disposed of in away that has the least impact on the environment.To work towards this goal, the Thematic Strategy on WastePrevention and Recycling was adopted in December 2005. It is along-term strategy aimed at helping Europe become a recyclingsociety that seeks to avoid waste and uses waste as a resource.The Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directiveis a cornerstone of EU legislation dealing with industrial installationsthat are potential high polluters. Such installations may onlybe used if the operator holds a permit containing requirementsfor the protection of air, water and soil. Waste has to be cut rightdown, the potential for accidents foreseen and prevented and, ifnecessary, the site cleaned up. These requirements must be basedon the principle of best available techniques (BAT).041

Natural resourcesMaking a differenceThe way we use water and energy, the way we design our homesand dispose of waste, whether or not we enjoy the gardens,parks and wilderness areas around us – all these factors havean affect on our world. From projects to recycle old furnitureand clothes to fund raising to save orangutans: people are gettinginvolved.You can help to bring wildlife back into urban areas. By growingnative plants in your garden, you can attract birds, lizards,frogs and insects. These backyard havens combine with trees onurban streets to make wildlife corridors which link the remnantsof natural scrub and wood, and expand the habitats of manyanimals. Try to plant and encourage indigenous species - importedplants can cause havoc; Japanese knotweed is a case inpoint. Remember that every tree you plant not only providesa home for wild animals but improves the quality of air aroundit. When you work in your garden, use eco-friendly productsand avoid creosote and paints with high levels of volatile organiccompounds. This will be shown on the label.Beyond the back garden, parks and forests are just waiting tobe explored – it is easier to recognise the value of somethingonce you have experienced it first hand, so take your family outfor a woodland or meadow picnic.If you have the time for more than a day out, think about thenature reserves which protect wilderness areas for the animalswithin them and the eco-saavy tourists who come to watchthem.Involving and educating children is vital and the internet canprovide information and inspiration. If you live near a river orlake, find out if there is a group which works on weed clearing,if you live near a wood, is there an organisation that works tomanage the trees, clearing scrub? Make you and your environmenthealthier.042

Natural resourcesTo manage the amount of water you get through, head straightfor the bathroom. If you don’t have a lavatory that is designedto use water efficiently, then put a brick or a filled and closedbottle in the cistern. This displaces the water level and causesless water to be used with every flush. A shower will use lesswater than a bath and a low-flow shower head makes an evengreater difference. This doesn’t mean you have to have a dribblyshower! Up-to-date shower heads mix the water with oxygen,so you are saving on your heating bills, reducing the amount ofwater you use and you can still have a good shower.“Chooseenvironmentallyfriendly gardenproducts ”043

Sustainable Development Public health044

Sustainable Development Public healthPublic healthHealth & wellbeing for allCHAPTER5Bird flu, mad cow disease, AIDS, an ever increasing rate ofobesity and all that goes with it – it seems you can’t go aweek without hearing about the latest health issue. Publicconcern is driving discussion and we want to know thatgovernment is taking the necessary steps to protect us.Threats from environmental factors, such as industrial airpollution, are very difficult for us as individuals to control.Other factors resulting from our choice of lifestyle, suchas air pollution caused by smoking, are very difficult forgovernments to control. There is a clear need for citizensand policy-makers to work together.© CorbisSituation on the groundSustained economic development, improved healthcare, betterhousing and nutrition, and a better educated population have all ledto a relative increase in life expectancy. There has been a decreasein the number of serious accidents at work, the suicide rate is comingdown in much of Europe, although still high in certain countries,and cases of some types of food poisoning have fallen.Much has been achieved. But as one set of problems is resolved,another raises its ugly head. Pollution, in the form of particles thatcan’t be seen except when they mass together to form smog,and the release of toxic chemicals into our environment are bothserious problems. They have an impact not only on us, but onthe animals with which we share the planet - from the polar bear045

Public healthDidyou know…in the extreme north to the albatross in the skies over thesouthern oceans.Threats caused by environmental contamination: TheClean Air For Europe foundthat 350,000 Europeans died canary down a coal mine dying of gas poisoning, warningthe miner to escape has its modern day equivalent.prematurely in 2000 due tooutdoor air pollution. This Wild animals can give us a clear indication of the level ofworks out at an average toxic chemicals in our environment and will start dying,loss of life expectancyof 9 months.often before we are aware of the problem. This should bea clear wake up call since whatever it is that is killing them willprobably be harmful to us. Bodies of beluga whales found in theSt Lawrence River in Canada were so highly contaminated that theyhad to be disposed of as hazardous waste. Publicising the situationin their DETOX campaign, the WWF explains that there is hardlyan animal on earth that has not been exposed to toxic man-madechemicals. They are the undeserving recipients of our poisons.And how does this affect us? According to the EU’s SCALE initiative,a child-focused analysis of pollution-induced conditions fallinto four priority groups: cancers, respiratory diseases like asthma,developmental disorders and the disruption of the natural, chemicalinteraction in our bodies (endocrine disruption). The links betweenexposure to pollution and its effects on us are determined by ourages, how long we have been exposed tothe chemicals, our genetic makeup andwhat the report calls ‘the cocktail’ effect, orexposure to multiple sources of contaminationin the air, water and food.Threats caused by lifestyle choices:Drinking too much alcohol, smoking, nottaking exercise, abusing drugs, or eatingfood that harms us are some of the threatsto our health that stem from the way wechoose to live. Tobacco is the biggest,avoidable cause of death in the EU: it isestimated that 25% of all cancer deaths and15% of deaths in the EU can be attributedto smoking.© Corbis046

Public healthDidyou know…More people commit suicideevery year than die on theroads. 58,000 people killthemselves every year40,000 people a year arekilled on the roadsThe stress caused by theeveryday pressures of ourcompetitive lifestyles andsometimes addictionssuch as alcoholism, beingsubjected to violenceor abuse all have negativeimpacts, directly orindirectly, on our health.Depression and othermental illnesses are alsopublic health issues ofgrowing importance. Areport by the EuropeanReview of Suicide andViolence Epidemiology, (EUROSAVE), suggests that those mostlikely to commit suicide are single men, substance abusers and theunemployed, with rates in northern EU countries being higher thanthose in most Mediterranean countries.Threats caused by disease: Diseases like HIV/AIDS and otherswhich could also spread in people around the world, like bird flu,need monitoring and rapid response systems. Tuberculosis,measles and influenza are contagious and don’t respectborders, combined they account for around one third ofthe deaths occurring globally. They can spread rapidly ifaction is not taken to keep them in check. It is vital todevelop a coordinated response to health threats andemergencies in Europe.Other threats: Food scares require clear informationcampaigns and direct control by authorities. Sources offatal accidents, such as drink driving, require legal deterrents.A coordinated reaction to large scale emergencies isalso a priority.© Corbis047

Public health© CorbisWhat the EU’s doingThe EU has a recognised responsibility to ensure a high level ofhealth protection. An article in the EC Treaty, which establishedthe EU, says action shall be directed at improving public health bypreventing human illness and diseases and reducing the dangersto human health. Health and consumer protection are closelyrelated and food safety and alerts in case of danger are somethingthe EU takes seriously.At a national level, governments’ actions to protect their citizensare supported and reinforced by the EU’s policies. While countrieshave their own laws on public health, the EU is working tomake sure doctors, nurses and other professionals can move fromcountry to country easily and work wherever they are needed.Patients also need to be able to move around Europe to find thehealth care that best suits their needs.Here are some of the EU’s aims:• Making sure that by 2020 chemicals, including pesticides,are produced, handled and used safely• Working to reduce the inequalities in life expectancy andcurbing lifestyle-related diseases, such as alcoholism andobesity in EU countries• Developing strategies to deal with health threats quicklyand efficiently• Bringing down suicide rates and improving mental healththroughout the EU• Tightening the laws concerning our food and also the feedwe give to animals. This is where hygiene and labellingcome in• Making sure that animal welfare standards are high in theEU and outsideFrom legislating on the use and production of chemicals to coordinatingresponses to emergencies, the EU has a raft of measuresin place. Here are just some examples:048

Public healthDidyou know…According to the WWF,between 1930 and 2000 globalproduction of man-madechemicals increased from1 million to 400 milliontonnes each yearThe Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation ofChemicals (REACH) became law in June 2007 and isdesigned to improve the protection of public health. Itwill speed up the identification of exactly what chemicalsare in the products we buy, restricting the use of themost dangerous. REACH also covers chemicals usedin procedures happening around us, such as crop spraying,car spraying, construction and so on. This has beenreinforced by Community Action in the Field of ConsumerPolicy (2007-2013) which addresses our right to live healthily andsafely wherever we are and to have confidence in the products weconsume. It ensures better representation of consumers’ interestsand the effective application of consumer protection rules.The Public Health Programme (2003-2008) has three objectives:Firstly, gathering information on public health to make it possiblefor countries in the EU to have a clear idea of what is affectingthe health of their populations both positively and negatively, andto share their best ways of working. Secondly, it sets out ways ofreacting to threats such as TB, HIV/AIDS, possible terrorist attacks,and a potential pandemic that could be sparked by bird flu.Thirdly, the programme aims to promote healthy lifestyle choicesand reduce the numbers of accidents at work.In 2008 this programme will be replaced by the Second Programmeof Community Action in the Field of Health 2008-2013. This willalso focus on ageing and health and on reducing health inequalitiesacross the EU.The Children’s Environment and Health Action Plan for Europe(CEHAPE) aims to ensure that member states put children’s healthat the top of the political agenda, for the sake of today’s childrenand future generations. The plan involves children and childcareprofessionals in policy-making, promotes health and educationprogrammes, and researches health threats that are a particularthreat to children.The Food Hygiene Package, introduced in January 2006, tightensand harmonises EU food safety measures. These laws apply atevery point in the food chain, in line with the EU’s “farm to fork”approach. A key aspect of the new legislation is that all food andfeed operators, from farmers and processors to retailers and049

Public healthcaterers, have the responsibility of ensuring that food put on theEU market meets the required safety standards.Helping in this goal is the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).The EFSA is the keystone of the EU’s risk assessment regardingfood and feed safety. The organisation provides independentscientific advice on all matters with a direct or indirect impact onfood and feed safety, including animal health and welfare, and plantprotection. The Community Action Plan on the Protection andWelfare of Animals 2006-2010, upgrades current standards foranimal welfare by using the latest scientific developments to workout how best to look after livestock. It works to make sure that,for example, a veal calf will receive a decent, minimum standardof care wherever it happens to be within the EU.© CorbisMaking a differenceTips for healthy living surround us, but here are a few basic ideasas a reminder: move more – stairs not lift, cycle don’t drive, walkwhen you can; balance your diet, cut fat – think about what goesinto the food you are about to eat. Some sweet foods will makeyou hungry again in half an hour, fattier foods will make your bodywork overtime, remember the old adage: you are what you eat.Put your children on the right track to healthy eating. It can taketime to change their eating habits, don’t give up, it’s their lifelonghealth you are building; stop smoking – put the money to oneside and watch it mount up; aim to reduce your stress levels – tryto spend half an hour a day doing something that makes you lessstressed and more happy; wear your seat belt in cars – make sureyour children are well strapped in too; don’t drink to excess – aglass of wine a day could help your health, assuming you are notpregnant or behind a steering wheel! More may harm you. Forevery glass you drink, have a glass of water; avoid pollution – assertyour right to work and eat in smoke-free rooms, and be awareof passive smoking.Pollution, to a certain extent is also something you can control.Protect yourself. Take steps to reduce the amount of chemicals youuse around your home. Simple actions such as dry cleaning onlywhen absolutely necessary, or using unbleached lavatory paper andbathroom products that are made from natural ingredients can050

Public healthhelp you to cut back. You can also play a role outside your home,in the garden. Creosote - a petrochemical preservative - is one toavoid, as are paints containing VOCs (volatile organic chemicals):check the label. Alternatives which are both safer for you and forthe world around you exist, it’s a matter of looking at the labelsand savvy shopping.If you have access to the internet, health.europa.eu offers a widerange of reliable information.“Don’t forget yourfruit and veg ” 051

Sustainable Development Social inclusion052

Sustainable Development Social inclusionSocial inclusionInvolving everyone in Europe’s futureCHAPTER6Including everyone and making sure that each individual inour society has the means to contribute to their full abilityis vital if we are to combat the challenges of poverty. Weneed to value the contribution of everyone, regardless ofage, gender, race, ethnic origin or disability.Ensuring children are raised out of poverty, people embraceeducation and life-long learning, and that pensions andother aspects of our welfare systems don’t just becomefond memories – these are pieces of the jigsaw that makesup an inclusive society.With 2007 designated the European Year of EqualOpportunities, a fundamental shift in the perception ofsome members of the public is required. Diversity isopportunity and it is high time we followed the lead of themost successful societies and embrace what are known asthe three T’s: technology, tolerance and talent.© Corbis053

Social inclusion© CorbisSituation on the groundThe overall aim of social inclusion is to significantly reduce povertyby 2010. An ambitious goal since the number of people atrisk of poverty is still high - in 2003, the average across the EUwas 16%.A report on cohesion in the EU concluded that the enlargementof the bloc to 25 countries, and subsequently to 27, presents anunprecedented challenge for the competitiveness and internalcohesion of the Union. There is now a widening of the economicdevelopment gap. The gulf between the 10% of the population livingin the most prosperous regions and the same percentage livingin the least prosperous ones has more than doubled comparedwith the situation in 2004.According to Eurochild’s review Ending Child Poverty, one infive children within the EU are at risk, a situation which has onlymarginally improved over the last six years. In Slovakia, 30% ofchildren under 15 were at risk in 2004 in comparison with 9% inDenmark.One of the causes of this gap between rich and poor is unemployment.The EU is facing serious problems in its labour marketswith low participation among older workers, women and youngpeople, and high unemployment within these groups. In view ofglobalisation, Europe’s ageing population and rather rigid labourlegislation in many countries, the EU has high targets for job creation.Throughout the EU unemployment fell slightly in 2007, from8% to 7.1%.Young people are also at risk of poverty – an issue which the YouthForum looked at in 2006. Their report, “Social Inclusion throughYouth Participation” pointed out young people face many challengeswhich can prevent them from fully participating in society.They can’t vote and often can’t find work due to inexperience. Themedia frequently represent them as a threat to society. The logicalprogression from education to college, university or apprenticeship,followed by marriage, family and home is now eroded in many ofour societies. Young people have more choices bringing both morefreedom and more challenges.054

Social inclusion© CorbisDidyou know…Immigrants from outsidethe EU are more thanthree times as likely to beunemployed than EUcitizensAs with young people, women also face problems – not only ingetting a job but also how they are treated once they have got one.A major factor for helping women into work is the provision ofgood childcare. More mothers in the workforce generally spur thedevelopment of childcare facilities. According to the Organisationfor Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), of all EUcountries, Sweden spends the most on formal day care - 2% of thecountry’s GDP. This is in comparison to Finland’s public spending of1.1%, and the UK’s 0.4%. The Swedish system is more expensive,as it is the only system that caters for all children under 2. As aresult, almost 72% of Swedish mothers with young children are inemployment, 52% in Finland, and 49% in the UK.Unemployment hits those with disabilities the hardest. At least16% of the working age population are disabled but only 40%of them are in jobs. This is in comparison to 64.2% of peoplewithout disabilities.Immigrants are also an important part of the workforce- a subject which has become totemic for certain politicalgroups. It is important to realise that the proportion offoreign-born residents in the EU remains low, ranging from9% in Austria, Belgium and Germany, to under 2% in Spain.The public’s definitions of economic immigrants, refugees andasylum seekers are often very blurred. Populist politicians and the055

Social inclusionmedia do little to clarify the situation. The result is all too frequenthostility and suspicion sometimes erupting into violence. TheEuropean Union Agency for Fundamental Rights found that over9 million people in the EU (that’s 3% of all inhabitants) experiencedracist attacks in 2004. In order for immigrants to contribute to thesocial welfare of the society in which they have made their home,they need to become tax payers. For this to happen legitimate jobsand legal employment must be offered and racism and prejudicerooted out at ground level.Europe’s population is set to decline over the next 50 years. Italy islikely to lose 28% of its population by 2050. To maintain its workingage group, Italy would need to start opening its doors to morethan 350,000 immigrants per year or keep its citizens working untilthey are 75. Other EU countries are in the same boat.What the EU’s doingThroughout Europe, our hopes for the future seem essentially thesame: a safe, dynamic, democratic society which provides for thevulnerable and helps the population get into work. But although weare all aiming for the same things, there is still too much prejudiceand suspicion that prevents us from working together to makethese hopes a reality throughout the EU. To break down the barriersto progress and security we need to think again about howwe view people around us. To make change concrete, the EU hasoutlined its goals to:• Reduce the number of people at risk of poverty and socialexclusion by 2010, with a particular emphasis on childpoverty• Ensure territorial and social cohesion• Support EU countries as they modernise social protectionin the face of challenges such as falling birth rates andlonger lifespans056

Social inclusion• Promote employment and in particular create more jobsfor women, older workers and migrants by 2010• Welcome and integrate migrants into European society• Promote employment for young people – ensuring that atleast 85% of 22 year-olds complete secondary education.From 2007 onwards, within six months of leaving education,every young person should have some kind of job,apprenticeship, training or some experience or qualificationto make them more employableHelp those with disabilities to get work•To make these goals a reality the EU has set up a range of funds,programmes and laws.With a budget of €743m, the Community programme for employmentand solidarity, PROGRESS (2007-2013), targets: employment,social protection and inclusion, working conditions,diversity and combating discrimination, and equality betweenwomen and men.© Corbis057

Social inclusionAnother weapon in the fight against social exclusion is the EuropeanSocial Fund (ESF), one of Europe’s main sources of financial supportto help people develop their skills and, consequently, theirjob prospects. It entered a new phase in 2007, concentrating onfour areas: adaptability among workers and businesses; access toemployment; reducing social exclusion and promoting partnershipsfor reform. These measures will come under two of the three newobjectives: convergence, regional competitiveness and employment.The bottom line is investment in people.The EU expressly recognises the rights of the elderly to lead alife of dignity and independence, and to participate in social andcultural life.In order to guarantee those rights, the European EmploymentStrategy (EES) will promote lifelong learning and work flexibility.Social protection policies will find ways to reverse the trend towardsearly retirement and develop better, more flexible pensionschemes. The EU is investing in health and medical research, and theactive fight to wipe out discrimination and exclusion continues.The framework programme on Solidarity and Management ofMigration Flows 2007-2013, has several aims. One key goal is tointegrate legal immigrants into society. It intends to do this throughthe European Integration Fund which: contributes to introductionprogrammes; increases participation by immigrants in theirhost society; strengthens the capacity of national organisations sothat they can respond to the needs of different groups and keepsan eye on how the situations evolve by helping EU countries toevaluate their integration policies. The fund is worth €1.8bn andis part of the ESF.Keeping people out of poverty is also a key part of the EU’s aimto make sure that nobody falls by the wayside and is left out ofsociety. In all the countries that make up the EU, youth unemployment,especially in migrant families, is twice as high as the overallrate. It ran at just over 18% in 2004. Young people often find058

Social inclusionthemselves trapped in a vicious‘low pay – no pay’ circle. TheEU encourages countries to putmore apprenticeships in place,provide more support and activealternatives to people whoare going through a short spell of unemployment. These programmesoften focus on deprived areas.In a bid to make life easier for students, free movement aroundEurope for teachers and students and the recognition of qualificationsis a priority – programmes such as Socrates, Leonardo daVinci and Youth all work to help people get qualified.Everybody has the right to contribute. To make sure that thehandicapped are also fully engaged in Europe’s future, the actionplan Equal Opportunities for People with Disabilities (2004-2010)works to remove the environmental, technical and legal barriersfaced by disabled people. This it does through the ESF and theEuropean Employment Strategy. A specific guideline in the strategystates its aim: “To ensure inclusive labour markets, enhancework attractiveness and make work pay for job-seekers, includingdisadvantaged people, and the inactive.”© CorbisTo boost the full involvement of people with disabilities in our society,there is an EU-wide law, the Directive against Discrimination,which establishes a general framework for equal treatment inemployment and occupation.Making a differenceWhile governments and politicians can decide on priorities and setaside budgets to realise these, we can also do things to make oursociety fairer and help ourselves and those around us to becomemore involved.Remember that you can make yourself more employable andhave fun doing so. Evening classes are a way to pick up extraqualifications and meet people who share your interests. Learning059

Social inclusionanother language opens a door to new cultures – if you don’twant a heavy commitment, conversation classes are available afteryou’ve learned the basics.Don’t fancy learning something new yourself? How about teaching?In many EU countries adult basic education programmes givepeople the chance to offer their time to help others who can’tread or write or, perhaps, can’t do basic mathematics. Details ofsuch schemes can often be found advertised in local libraries ortown halls.Helping immigrants to learn the language of their new country isalso something that we can do. Conversation classes are a way toget people together and you don’t need to be a qualified languageteacher to get a group of people chatting around a table. Languageclasses are often offered to immigrants for free. If you have thetime, offer to run a conversation class just to give people thechance to practise what they have learned in their more formallanguage classes and the chance to meet others from outside theirown community.Starting up your own business can be easier than you imagine.If you have always had a secret desire to be your own boss andhave a service to offer, why not make an appointment with yourlocal bank and get some advice. Who knows, five years from nowyou could be in a position to put some work in the direction of ayounger person or someone who is having a tough time findingemployment!If you have musical, theatrical or artistic skills, then how aboutputting an hour aside a week and offering your skills to a retirementhome, a special needs school or a youth club? If you are intosports, how about starting up a club or a team? Get everyoneinvolved. If you are not sure what you can offer, just showing thefact that you are interested and support what carers are doingwill be a real boost to those whose very hard and important workis often forgotten.060

Not really a ‘people person’ but like animals? Check out the noticeboard in your local hospital. Often people going into hospital areat their wits’ end to know what to do with their pets. Leaving amuch loved dog, cat or other companion can be very stressful forpeople already unwell. Foster homes are highly valued.If you are healthy, valued by your colleagues, friends and family,have a place in society, have the time and are lucky enough to beat home in your world, reach out a hand and help someone elsebelong.

Sustainable Development Global povertyGlobal povertyClosing the gap7CHAPTER“Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It isan act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamentalhuman right, the right to dignity and a decent life.”Nelson MandelaExtreme poverty, defined as having less than a dollar a dayto live on, affects over one billion people in the developingworld - that’s one in every six of the world’s population.The fact that they are on another continent, doesn’t meanthere’s nothing we can do to ease their plight.Globalisation has brought us closer together, connectingpeople all over the world through global decisions, policiesand practices. But the benefits of this have not alwaysbeen shared equally. Instead, disparities in wealth andpower have grown further to the detriment of the world’spoorest people.Situation on the groundA Zanzibar farmer unable to tend his herd of tsetse-infested cattle;a Bangladeshi factory worker making 8 cents an hour for sewingbeads onto ballet costumes; an Ethiopian school kid walking morethan fifteen kilometres a day to fetch water – different lifestyles,different cultures, but all facing the same challenge: survival againstthe odds.© EC063

Global povertyHeart-rending, individual stories make up a global picture in whichhunger and malnutrition are the number one health risk, killingmore people than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined.Hunger gnaws at the stomachs of one in every four living in Sub-Saharan Africa. Children are considered lucky to make it to theirfifth birthday – 11 million a year don’t.And while households in industrialised countries can use up to50 litres of water per day by just flushing the toilet, over one billionpeople don’t even have access to the 20-50 litres of safe freshwaterconsidered necessary to ensure basic needs for drinking, cookingand cleaning. The diseases associated with this lack of access tosafe drinking water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene arecosting thousands of people their lives each day.Global poverty is a predominantly rural phenomenon: the meagerlivelihoods of three-quarters of those in extreme poverty are dependenton natural resources which are constantly being depleted.Over the past half century more than a quarter of the world’s8.7 billion hectares of agricultural lands, pastures, forests andwoodlands have been degraded. This is very bad news both forthe poor and their environment. The good news is that povertycan be eradicated.© ECDidyou know…In 2006 European aid ranto some €48bn, that’snearly €100 percitizenWhat the EU’s doingThe EU considers development cooperation the key to solvingthe problem of global poverty and is working alongside both internationalplayers (United Nations, World Trade Organisation,international financial organisations) and regional players (inAfrican, Latin American, Caribbean and Pacific countries) toprovide effective responses to the many challenges facingthe world’s poorest people.It has made a firm commitment to the eight targets set atthe 2000 UN Millennium Summit which have a deadline of2015. These Millennium Development Goals aim to:• Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger• Achieve universal primary education• Strengthen gender equality• Reduce child mortality064

Global poverty© EC• Improve maternal health• Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases• Ensure environmental sustainability• Develop a global partnership for developmentAt the 2002 World Summit for Sustainable Development inJohannesburg, the EU launched two initiatives designed to guaranteesupplies of water and energy – two essential components topoverty reduction. The first – the Water for Life initiative – aims tohalve the number of people without access to safe drinking waterand adequate sanitation by 2015. The second – the Energy Initiativefor Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development – seeks toattract new resources in terms of capital, technology and humanresources from the private sector and financial institutions.Trade is another essential component of growth. Under theCotonou Agreement which runs until 2020, the EU is workingwith African, Caribbean and Pacific countries to achieve theirgradual integration into the global economy. With Latin America,a range of agreements have been concluded based on a strengtheningof economic cooperation, institutionalised political dialogueand trade relations. The EU is now Latin America’s number oneforeign investor and second biggest trading partner. In Asia, whichis home to two-thirds of the world’s poor, the EU is contributingto a third of the continent’s total aid. The EU’s overall target is toraise the volume of aid donated to developing countries to 0.7%of its countries’ Gross National Income by 2015.Debt relief is also high on the European agenda. The EU is animportant player in the World Bank and International MonetaryFund’s initiative to cancel the debts of heavily indebted poorcountries. So far, full debt relief has been given to 18 countries,including Bolivia, Madagascar, Tanzania and Uganda.065

Global povertyMaking a differenceWhile national policies regarding the eradication of poverty areset by governments, each of us can make a difference.One way of helping is to buy as you would normally and donateat the same time. Cause marketing, as it’s known, brings togetherfor-profit businesses and non-profit organisations in a win-winsituation. An example of this is Product RED which raises moneyto fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria through a number of wellknownbrands.You can also make a difference at your local grocery store bychoosing from among 1,500 FairTrade products. This simple actgoes a long way to guaranteeing fair wages for producers.Another way of contributing to your favourite charity, without itcosting you a penny, is through ethical banking. This is becomingincreasingly popular across Europe.If you have money to invest, wherever you are in Europe, ask yourbank or financial advisor how you can make your money work foryou and in the fight against global poverty. If you prefer to donatedirectly then many European countries will give tax breaks oncharitable donations.If you are put off the notion of donating because you feel that youcan’t really be sure where your money is going, then there aremany schemes that involve sponsoring a specific child. Donorsreceive regular updates on how the child they have sponsored isdoing and are sent photos and letters.There is no shortage of worthy causes. Look out for charities contributingto the livelihoods of family farmers through sustainableagriculture in countries as far afield as Laos and Nicaragua.For a more personal touch, why not help your child to find a penpalof their own age in the developing world? Choose the countrythat shares your language or use the opportunity to improve yourchild’s foreign language skills. Ring international directory inquiriesand ask for a school in a given town within the country concerned.066

Global povertyPerhaps your child could involve their friends or put the matterto their teachers to involve a whole class. A potentially lifelongfriendship at best and a formative experience at least is just aphone call away. Let’s close the gap.Alternatively, as a one-off, if you find you simply cannot think ofwhat you would like for your next birthday or for Christmas, howabout asking for a set of beehives or a goat? They won’t arrive onyour doorstep! Some charity schemes give you the chance to buylivestock for families in developing countries.“The trees and beesyou gave us havechanged our land, airand soil. Our wholelife has changed! ”Zahara Bekre,Kabso Takuma Forest,Ethiopia....067

Sustainable Development Cross-cutting policies068

Sustainable Development Cross-cutting policiesCross-cutting policiesTurning the dream into realityCHAPTER8The EU is aiming at sustainable economic growth, withmore and better jobs and greater social cohesion, but insuch a way that protects the world around us for futuregenerations.Clamping down on discrimination, protecting natural resources,addressing immigration and global poverty, producinggoods in an environmentally friendly way - laws arebeing passed and programmes developed to make eachgoal within the EU’s sustainable development strategypossible.But cutting across the separate areas discussed in thisbooklet are the four ways used to make the ideals concrete:education, research, communication to motivate people andmake programmes run as efficiently as possible, and lettingthe polluter pay. Changing the way people buy and produceis essential and one way to encourage a move towards moreenvironmentally friendly habits is through tax incentives.Reflecting the real price a product has on the environmentwill help consumers make the right choices.© Corbis069

Cross-cutting policiesEducation - sharing knowledgeAt the heart of all the policies, programmes and initiatives outlinedso far is the realisation that nothing can be done without the helpof an educated public. Education equips people with the meansto deal with these challenges and gives us the skills we need tomake Europe’s growth sustainable.When we think of education we tend to think of our school days.But the issue is much larger – it covers knowledge sharing at alllevels and across all subjects. Technical knowledge shared to keepus competitive; scientific knowledge to keep us healthy; informationtechnology reaching out into far-flung communities, putting themin touch with people and concepts all over Europe; school childrenstaying in education up to university level; lifelong learning; businessesbeing educated in environmentally sustainable choices – itall involves sharing knowledge.Sustainability is about using our resources in a way that allowsfuture generations to benefit too – this refers not only to naturalresources but also to human resources – the people of Europe.Education is a way to reduce inequalities, those that exist betweenmen and women or between minority groups and the other citizensthey live with. This is a lifelong process – gone are the dayswhen learning and training ended with college graduation. Nowthe emphasis is on helping people boost their knowledge and skillsthroughout their lives.What’s being done?In February 2001, the EU launched Education and Training 2010.Ministers of education throughout the EU decided on three, concreteobjectives to ensure the development of the skilled workforceupon which our future depends. The elements are: opening upeducation and training to the wider world – meaning both the worldof work and the world beyond the EU; increasing the quality of oureducation systems, and making access to education easier.All three ambitions involve a range of measures. Opening up educationto the wider world, for example, highlights the importance oflanguage learning and seeks to strengthen the links with workinglife and research.070

Cross-cutting policies© CorbisImproving the quality of education includes boosting flexible learningprogrammes to help people continue their education whileholding down jobs. The definition of basic skills needs to be updatedin the light of our changing world.Access to education, at all ages, requires a change in the waysystems are structured, asking “How easy is it to move from onequalification to another?”, “Do all paths enable the learner to goforward or are they pushing them to opt out?” It also underlinesthat education is in the hands of society and should help to buildthe society we want.071

Cross-cutting policiesResearchThe challenge that faces each and every one of us is how to makesure that our European way of life, with its values and standard ofliving, remains secure in the face of competition without exploitingand ruining the world around us.While we all have a role to play, some problems need to be solvedscientifically – alternative energy sources, ways to feed the world’spopulation, establishing access to clean water for all, ways of improvingcommunication – the realisation of these goals, and manyothers, rests in the hands of our scientific community.© CorbisWhat’s being done?While scientists look for solutions to the fundamental problem ofhow to find sources of clean, renewable energy and while Europefaces the challenges of globalisation, migration, unemployment andan ageing population, the EU is harnessing all means possible tosecure our futures.€50bn for research and development has been set aside underthe Seventh Framework Programme. This will run until 2013 andaims to:• Gain leadership in key scientific and technology areas• Stimulate creativity and excellence in European research• Develop and strengthen the human potential of Europeanresearch• Enhance research and innovation capacity throughoutEuropeCommunicating results and networking between scientists is alsoa focal point and the development of a European Research Areais underway to make sure ideas and results are shared effectivelythroughout the EU. Scientists need to be able to move aroundthe Union freely, having access to the very best communicationsnetworks. To help them push back the boundaries of knowledge,research institutions will be set up, exploiting partnerships betweenpublic and private sectors.072

Cross-cutting policiesThe EU is also encouraging networking and peer learning betweenuniversities and colleges in the Union and other countries.Using the economy to bring about changeInducing people to buy products that are made responsibly andspend less on production that is environmentally harmful can bedone through green taxes. This is one way of using the economy tobring about change. As things stand now, when we buy something,the price fails to reflect the real cost in terms of environmental damage.But the market can be used to work for the environment.Using market forces to boost sustainable development is a keystoneof the strategy. But public funding has its role to play too and itis a stated aim of the strategy that all money coming out of theEU should be channelled in the best way to promote sustainabledevelopment.What’s being done?A gradual shift away from taxes on labour towards taxes on pollution,energy and resources can boost employment, eco-innovationand protect the environment. Getting prices right – so that whatwe pay reflects the real social, environmental and economic costit takes to produce the object or provide the service – is a way tosmart economic growth.The EU is thinking creatively and working with national governmentsto develop ‘green taxes’. Just as the emphasis for agriculturalfunding has shifted from production to stewardship, where farmersreceive funding for taking care of the land they control, so too canthe burden of taxation shift from labour to consumption.Under the New Directive on Energy Taxation, countries in theEU have the right to offer companies special tax breaks in returnfor lowered emissions of damaging pollution and gasses. It alsotaxes energy sources such as electricity and fuels such as coal. Thismakes the user focus on efficiency – consuming less in order tokeep their tax bills down. Companies that have invested in theirefficient use of energy can get some of these taxes refunded,adding a further incentive.073

Cross-cutting policies074Taxing energy consumption instead of people’s incomes, sellingthe right to emit greenhouse gases – both are key weapons in thebattle against climate change. And both have an important conceptin common: polluter pays.Making the polluter pay works on two levels. Wasteful or environmentallydamaging behaviour is penalised so people are encouragedto look for alternatives and, while they do so, the pollution theyproduce earns the exchequer money. This revenue can then beploughed back into research or used to fund projects.Throughout the Union, countries are applying the idea of taxingpollution in a variety of ways: Denmark and Finland tax tyres,Denmark, Iceland and Italy tax plastic bags, France taxes paperand cardboard.While countries find ways to both limit pollution and raise revenuefrom it at the same time, business and organisations are also workingtowards sustainable practices. Here the notions of ‘polluter pays’is taking off as companies come under the influence of consumerpressure and legislation to become greener. Some are leading theway, voluntarily changing the way they conduct their business.Paying for the emissions they cause is growing in importance forthe business community. Phrases like ‘carbon off-sets’ or ‘carbontradingschemes’ sometimes crop up, and will do so more frequentlyin the future. Charging money for the production of carbon meansthinking of this greenhouse gas like any other commodity. Youpay a certain amount and that buys you the right to produce acertain amount.Money is coming directly from the EU through the funding ofprogrammes such as LIFE+ which runs until 2013. With a budgetof around €2bn, the programme co-finances environmental initiativesthroughout the Union and in some bordering countries. Itbrings together a variety of programmes, grouping them under asingle set of rules. Decision-making becomes more efficient andthe whole procedure more transparent. 20-25% of the money willbe put towards raising public awareness on sustainable developmentissues.With such large budgets, funding that the EU puts forward needsto be channelled to ensure it promotes sustainable development.EU countries and the Commission will be coordinating various

Cross-cutting policiespolicies such as the cohesion and agricultural policies, rural development,research and technological development, to maximisetheir potential.By 2008 the Commission will also work on a plan for the reformof the subsidies that have a considerable, negative impact on theenvironment, with a view to gradually phasing them out. Areassuch as agriculture will benefit from funding that regenerates ruralcommunities while protecting the land they farm.© ECInforming and motivatingThe booklet you are now reading is part of the EU’s campaign touse all available means to get the sustainable development messageacross. One of the Commission’s stated aims is to say whatneeds to be done, explain what action the EU is taking to addressthe challenges and motivate people to work towards the goalsthat will benefit us all.075

Cross-cutting policies© ECWhat’s being done?The European Sustainable Cities and Towns Campaign is madeup of a group of local governments whose goal is to establishtowns which are prosperous, creative and sustainable and in whicheveryone has a valued role to play. To achieve this they have signedup to the Aalborg commitments and the EU hopes that countrieswhose local governments are not involved will sign up soon.The commitments include, for example, ensuring people have fairaccess to natural resources. This involves improving water and airquality and the creation of parks and gardens. Another commitmentis to better transport and less traffic – boosting public transportchoices. Health and social equality are also on the list.The campaign brings together authorities on all levels from aroundEurope. What works, what doesn’t: such information is shared.The Municipality of Barcelona can rub shoulders with the Unionof Baltic Cities in their bid to find solutions to the challenges ofmaking sustainable development a reality.Another opportunity for action was put forward by the UnitedNations Conference on Environment and Development, 1992, inRio. Agenda 21 puts forward a complete action plan to achieve thegoals of sustainable development. Countries throughout Europeare getting involved and the EU hopes to see even more take upAgenda 21, sign up to the Aalborg commitments and involve themselvesin the European Sustainable Cities and Towns Campaign.Recognising that you have to get the message across if you want tomotivate people, the “enhanced communication effort” inspiredthe creation of an award for the best projects in the field of economicmodernisation, RegioStars. Put forward by the Commissionin 2006, this is just one prize set up by the EU in order to motivatepeople and highlight the aims of sustainable development.Open days such as the annual European Week of Regions andCities are another way the EU reaches out to its citizens andgets over the message of sustainability. The event brings togetherthousands of people representing development projects all overEurope.076

Cross-cutting policiesBut only a handful of the population of Europe pass through thedoors of the EU itself. Reaching all citizens and keeping them informedis the goal of i2010 – A European Information Society forGrowth and Employment, launched in June 2005. The initiativeis made up of laws designed to ensure everyone is included in asociety based on the widespread use of information and communicationtechnologies (ICTs). Connection speeds which get digitaltechnologies into people’s homes, taking steps to reduce internetfraud, developing and promoting systems which can work togetheracross borders to keep people in touch – all this and more makeup this EU initiative.Whether by inviting people into its buildings to see what is happening,giving prizes for innovative economics focusing on sustainabilityor making sure people across Europe can keep up to date with thebest ways of doing things, the EU is getting the message across.Businesses are also waking up to their responsibilities. One suchexample is the EU-Corporate Leaders Group on Climate Change.This group, which got together at the initiative of several companydirectors, seeks to work in partnership with the EU to stimulate alow-carbon economy while enhancing the prospects for growthand competitiveness. It intends to do this by identifying the conditionsnecessary to meet greenhouse gas emissions reductions,implementing effective emission-reduction measures, and lookingfor business opportunities in low-carbon technologies.077

Sustainable Development Implementation & follow-up078

Sustainable Development Implementation & follow-upImplementation& follow-upStaying on trackCHAPTER9The principles of openness, participation, accountability,effectiveness and coherence are at the heart of how theEU runs its policies. These are joined by one more vitalcomponent needed to make the sustainable developmentstrategy work: monitoring.With such a variety of programmes and legislation runningthroughout Europe and with action being taken by people inall walks of life: citizens; the business community; regionaland national governments, and by the EU itself – findingout what works and what doesn’t is more important thanever.What the EU’s doingThe issues raised within the sustainable development strategy havemoved on from being something just discussed by those responsiblefor environment policy. Now the whole subject is right at theheart of the European decision-making process with heads of stateand government monitoring the situation as it evolves to ensurethe strategy stays on track. The European Commission regularlyexamines how the policies are unfolding. Every two years, startingin the autumn of 2007, they publish a progress report showing, ina clear and concrete way, what is working, what is not, and howto keep the strategy updated and effective. This is the basis ofthe December European Council’s discussions, where the wayahead is decided.© EC079

Implementation & follow-upThe Commission’s progress report looks at how policies are working,how individual countries are doing, and puts forward ideasabout the next steps to take. One of their sources of informationis the data collected by Eurostat which regularly monitors theprogress being made on sustainable development in Europe.The first step in monitoring progress is to have a clear idea of whatis to be measured and to make sure that figures are comparableacross countries, and over time – comparing like with like.To make this possible, Eurostat has developed a set of ‘indicators’,which are regularly reported upon. Eurostat’s 2007 report onSustainable Development Indicators can be found at: ec.europa.eu/sustainable/The indicators can be clearly measured throughout the Union,showing what is happening on the ground. For example, the themepublic health has, as its main indicator healthy years lived, by gender.Measuring this factor across the EU will show where we are nowand, thanks to regular data collection, whether the situation isgetting better or worse. But how long men and women are livinghealthily is only a very broad indicator. There is a range of otherswhich reflect the complexity of the situation in more detail, suchas factors which influence the state of health, including obesity andsmoking, exposure to pollutants, and production of toxic chemicals.Indicators will be developed and new ones created with the inputof the countries that make up the EU.Regularly updated, the Eurostat information is there for you tocheck out on the net if you have access to it and will give you apicture of progress towards sustainable development objectivesacross the EU.The European Parliament has a part to play, contributing its views,cooperating with the Council and the Commission and liaisingwith national parliaments. The Committee of the Regions and theEconomic and Social Committee also provide input.080

Implementation & follow-up© ECWhat the countries within the EU are doingIndividual EU member countries appoint representatives who meetregularly in the Sustainable Development Coordinators Groupchaired by the European Commission to discuss progress on thestrategy. Every two years they also provide the necessary inputon progress in their national sustainable development strategies -developed in the light of the EU’s revised strategy. This makes surethat the goals of the country in question and those of the Unionas a whole are mutually supportive.Another layer of expertise is the European Sustainable DevelopmentNetwork (ESDN), an informal network of public administratorsand other experts, which deals with sustainable developmentstrategies throughout Europe.Countries also volunteer to let other countries peer review theirsustainable development strategies and to see how they are workingon the ground. The idea is, by examining each other’s successstories, countries can learn from one another. By 2011 theEuropean Council will decide when the next comprehensive reviewof the strategy should be launched.081

european CommissionSecretariat-General1049 brusselsbelgiumall illustrations © abigail actonmanuscript completed in november 2007© european Communities, 2007Reproduction is authorised.

© Corbis

FiniSHedwitH me?dOn’t tHrOwme AwAy.pASS me On tO...KA-70-07-020-EN-C © Abigail Actonyourlocal cafeyour locallibraryyour kid’sschoolyour doctor’swaiting room