Climate change, environmental impacts and sustainability in the EU Blue Economy
Europe’s seas are experiencing drastic changes due to climate change. These include sea warming, rising sea levels, acidification, deoxygenation, changes in nutrient availability, wind stresses, increasing risk of extreme weather events (e.g. marine heatwaves and Mediterranean hurricanes), changes in surface waves and the mixing layer, and sea ice melting.
Besides the threats of ongoing climatic impact drivers, marine ecosystems are already significantly affected by non-climatic impact driver. The cumulative effects undermine their resilience and capacity to provide ecosystem services essential for human life.
The EU is making important strides in fostering the transition to a sustainable Blue Economy, based on the agenda outlined in the 2021 Commission communication entitled ‘Transforming the EU's blue economy for a sustainable future’. This transition contributes to the dual objectives of making the EU economy more resource efficient, resilient and competitive, while simultaneously reducing net emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and protecting natural capital, as enshrined in the European Green Deal.
The European Green Deal serves as a comprehensive roadmap for the EU’s achievement of climate neutrality by 2050. A key component of this initiative is the fit for 55 package, which comprises legislation designed to reduce the EU’s net GHG emissions by at least 55% by 2030. This long-term strategy sets out a comprehensive package of measures ranging from ambitious GHG emission reductions to cutting-edge research and innovation in low-carbon technologies, along with efforts to preserve Europe’s natural environment. The EU’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 is driving change and attracting investment in all economic sectors.
Moreover, the pursuit of environmental sustainability is inextricably linked with long-term competitiveness. As outlined in the EU Competitiveness Compass, sustainability is a key driver of competitiveness, driving businesses to innovate, reduce costs, and increase their economic resilience. Striving for a clean, energy-efficient, sustainable and circular Blue Economy also offers various opportunities for EU businesses, while contributing to the achievement of the European Green Deal’s ambitious targets. As regards the Blue Economy, the EU acts across all marine-based and related industries to foster innovation, improve economic resilience and increase environmental sustainability. This chapter specifically covers the topics of the energy transition in the maritime transport and fisheries sectors and nature-based solutions (NBS) combating coastal floods.
