In the era of environmental crisis in which we live, international alliances represent a crucial opportunity to promote sustainability and social responsibility.
Although it may seem far away, the European Union is fundamental in all this, since each member country has the capacity to generate a real change on our planet. Surely its leaders and representatives think the same, since in recent years they have designed the Taxonomy Regulation, which basically establishes six general objectives for promote sustainability and stop the impact of the climate change.
Have you heard about them or want to know what they are and why they are so important? You can find out here by reading this article on how the European Union promotes sustainability and reflects the efforts of many other countries around the world.
What is European taxonomy?
In June 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Union adopted the Taxonomy Regulationsas part of its Sustainable Finance Strategies. The Taxonomy is a classification of economic activities to determine the extent to which they are sustainable and to serve as a reference framework for companies and investors.
What is the purpose of European taxonomy?
The objectives set by the European Union in the taxonomy are vital because they facilitate the effective involvement of companies in meeting the sustainable development goals. Most of the international scientific community has already warned: we cannot continue to expect economic growth without stricter environmental policies.
But wouldn’t regulating economic growth be a step backwards? Not really, if you take into account that It has been proven that sustainable economic development is possible and more beneficial to ensure the quality of life and well-being of people.
Environmental objectives of the European Union
We can think about the objectives that make up the taxonomy as axes that, when combined, make up a comprehensive policy towards sustainability:
1. Climate change mitigation
The companies meet this objective if they contribute significantly to stabilising the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This can be done either by reducing emissions or by innovating processes that allow their absorption.
Some of the specific objectives that companies can implement are energy efficiency, increased clean mobility, the use of sustainable materials and renewable energy, among others.
2. Adaptation to climate change
It is about proposing solutions that prevent or reduce the adverse effects of climate change on nature and society. It is important to emphasize that these actions must benefit the largest possible group of people or ways of life, and must avoid at all costs harming others in the process.
3. Pollution prevention and control
It consists of preventing or reducing the emission of non-greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, water or land, as well as other harmful waste. The aim is to improve environmental conditions and, by extension, people’s quality of life.
4. Transition to a circular economy
This goal will remind you of the “Rule of the Three Rs,” except that these refer to a change of greater scale and impact. Companies must commit to reducing the resources used, to prevent waste, and to use innovative methods to reuse and recycle the resources they already have.
Is called “circular economy”as it refers to extending the life cycle of things and making each stage of production and consumption more sustainable.
5. Sustainability and protection of water and marine resources
This objective focuses on the care of aquifers, which make up the majority of the composition of our planet.
As such, it focuses on preserving the vital resource of water and access to this resource for the entire population; the well-being of marine flora and fauna; and preventing disasters such as droughts and floods.
6. Protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems
Ultimately, this goal seeks to protect, restore and conserve the world’s biodiversity and ecosystems. More specific actions include sustainable use and management of land and forests, as well as sustainable agricultural practices.
In summary, the taxonomy aims to:
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Reorient capital flows towards more sustainable investments.
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Create security for investors and keep them away from investments of this type greenwashing.
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Prevent market fragmentation.
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Setting a precedent for economic development for the future.
Let’s achieve sustainability one step at a time
All these objectives guide the academic training of programs such as the Environmental Engineering at the Anáhuac University of QuerétaroThis degree is a pioneer in offering a curriculum focused not only on understanding the environmental crisis, but also on designing, planning and executing strategies to combat it.
As environmental engineering studentyou will be aware of the urgency with which action must be taken in all possible areas, so you will be able to work in environmental consulting, research, renewable energy development, among others.
So, do you dare to learn more about this career and everything you could achieve in it? If so, Contact us and discover your potential as a leader for the future.
Today you can be the agent of change that our world needs!
