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“The world is very small.” Perhaps we are the first generation to experience this saying in its literal sense. Globalization enabled by technological advancement is bringing distances that once seemed vast closer together, even making them disappear entirely.
In addition to the positive effects of this development and convergence, it has also exposed a major threat that concerns all of humanity. Concepts such as “Global Warming,” “Carbon Emissions,” and “Sustainability” have become terms we frequently hear as awareness of this threat has grown.
So, what brings together the topics of “Green Transformation” and “Globalization”?
First, we need to confront an important reality: green transformation is not optional—it is a necessity. This is clearly evidenced by the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and the destruction of natural habitats.
Globalization plays a crucial role as a key actor in this issue, because the problem can only be solved through a single “globe” that unites all stakeholders.
Country-level “best practices” are important steps taken in a positive direction. However, these measures alone cannot achieve satisfactory results unless actively implemented worldwide, necessitating global teamwork. At this point, perhaps with a professional bias, I would like to touch on the “Green Deal,” also known as the European Green Deal.
In fact, the European Union is one of the innovation leaders that first recognized the need for this teamwork and began taking action. Announced in 2019, the European Green Deal sets the EU’s goal to become the first carbon-neutral continent by 2050. This plan includes comprehensive policies and strategies to reduce carbon emissions, decouple economic growth from fossil fuels, and manage natural resources sustainably.
One example demonstrating the success of the Green Deal is investment in renewable energy sources. By 2020, renewable energy accounted for 38% of the EU’s electricity production, surpassing fossil fuels. Countries like Germany, Denmark, and Spain are leading in this area, providing successful models for other member states.
Additionally, the EU plays a significant role in supporting environmentally friendly innovations and green technologies through numerous framework programs such as Horizon Europe. With a budget of €95.5 billion, Horizon Europe is one of the world’s largest research and innovation programs and supports green transformation across multiple domains.
The program, which necessitates cooperation between countries, has achieved notable successes in areas such as clean energy projects, circular economy initiatives, and sustainable agricultural techniques. Our country, as an associated country, can participate in the program calls with project proposals.
Considering the necessity of green transformation and the importance of global collaboration, it is vital that the initiatives led by the European Union serve as global examples and are implemented worldwide. Measures and actions taken not only regionally but globally are essential for a sustainable future.
It is also critical that other global actors take similar steps to build a shared future.