On the occasion of the World Environment Day 2021, which focuses on restoring ecosystems, European Left President Heinz Bierbaum comments:

“Years of capitalist competition policies and austerity have significantly damaged the planet. We are now facing colossal economic, social and political turmoil caused by ecological challenges such as climate change. During these perilous times, with the COVID-19 epidemic and the looming climate disaster, a sustainable society and economy will be critical to our long-term recovery and well-being. The subject of this year's World Environment Day serves as a reminder to restore our connection and relationship with the environment and the planet.

EL has been advocating for a transition that requires a new industrial policy with new concepts of energy and mobility. This new socio-ecological transformation, or Green New Deal is at the heart of our political strategy as it encapsulates an ecological revolution that goes hand in hand with workers rights and protects those who are affected by the process. A new model for agriculture through a total reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that ensures a decent income for farmers as well as a healthy and inexpensive food is essential, in order to relocate production and harmonise environmental standards upwards. The energy model needs to be rethought entirely as well, since there is no future for fossil fuels. This includes a new energy policy based on renewable energy and also a mobility policy focused on collective mobility concepts.

We will continue to push for the goals set in the Paris Agreement that ask for a 70% reduction of emissions by 2030 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. We will continue to fight for a fundamental social change and a redesign of the organisation of production, in order to combat the climate crisis, the depletion of natural resources and ecological disasters. We call for redirecting investment and research and development policies in favour of ecology. Only through a Left Green New Deal, that combines ecological and social requirements, can we achieve the highest standards for our people and the planet.”