The Think2030 platform gathers organisations (think tanks, academia, NGOs, civil society and private sector) that share a common vision for a more sustainable future. As the network is expanding, we conducted a series of interviews to feature the partners, their involvement in the platform and their contribution to the implementation of the European Green Deal agenda.
WWF‘s mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by:
1. conserving the world’s biological diversity
2. ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable; and
3. promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption
The European Policy Office helps shape EU policies that impact on the European and global environment.
We are happy to have WWF continuing being a knowledge partner in the Think2030 platform, and to celebrate our renewed collaboration, we spoke with Ester Asin, Director of WWF European Policy Office.
Why did WWF decide to join the Think2030 platform in the first place?
Think2030 aims to build up a committed community around the European Green Deal. By organising high-level debates and conferences, the platform provides a unique opportunity for stakeholders from various backgrounds to discuss climate, environment, and nature policies through a science-based lens. Events such as the Think2030 2022 Conference in Paris highlight our common purpose of advocating for a more ambitious and swifter implementation of the Green Deal. Having the opportunity to exchange with other stakeholders, who may not see things exactly the same way as we do but still agree on the broader goal, can be enriching and lead to better solutions. This is how Think2030 brings added value to policymaking.
What do you think can be WWF’ biggest contribution to the Think2030 platform and its activities?
Our collaboration with IEEP on the European Green Deal Barometer is a highlight of our participation in the Think2030 platform. Each year, we help to co-design parts of the questionnaire and share the survey all over Europe.
Since its launch two years ago, this survey has become an instrumental tool for policymakers, civil society organizations and business. It helps identify how the European Green Deal is perceived and what still needs to improve in order to make sure that the European Green Deal can live up to the expectations that have been created.
Why is it important that the Green Deal continues beyond 2024 and what should be its main priorities after the next EU elections?
2024 will be a decisive year for the future of the European Green Deal. The war in Ukraine, the cost of living crisis and concerns around food and energy supply are currently being misused by opponents of the European Green Deal to delay critically needed actions to ensure our long-term resilience as societies.
To withstand future shocks to our systems, we need the European Green Deal even more than in 2019 – and this is why we need to make sure that it remains a top priority on the agenda for the next five years. Policymakers will have to design more ambitious targets to achieve climate neutrality by 2040 and measures to get there, ensuring a fair transition for all. Mainstreaming nature in every aspect of EU policy and continuing, recognising the benefits of nature for our health, long-term food production, wellbeing and security, is also something we will closely watch for.
During the previous 2019 EU election campaign, NGOs and civil society organizations were pivotal in carving the necessary political space to present and deliver the European Green Deal. In 2024, we will do so again.
Photo by David Vig on Unsplash
