The global challenges of climate change and environmental degradation require a global response. The European Green Deal, announced by the European Commission in December 2019, commits the EU to becoming climate-neutral by 2050, and helping companies become world leaders in clean products and green technologies.
Until now, the fight against climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution has struggled to attract enough funding. But COVID-19 has demonstrated that urgent global action is possible and has highlighted the role that the Green Deal can play in Europe’s post-COVID recovery and growth.
How has the pandemic affected the timetable for the European Green Deal? What opportunities do pandemic recovery plans offer to redesign sustainable, inclusive economies? What can Australia learn from the European Green Deal?
To mark Europe Day (held each year on 9 May), you are invited to a panel discussion hosted by the European Union Centre of Excellence, Social and Global Studies Centre at RMIT, the European Union Delegation to Australia, and the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) Victoria.
Welcome
Professor Bruce Wilson, European Union Centre of Excellence, Social and Global Studies Centre at RMIT
Welcome Address
Michael Pearce SC, Honorary Consul General of Germany
Panel
Moderator
Dr Emma Shortis, European Union Centre of Excellence, Social and Global Studies Centre at RMIT
Introductory Remarks on the European Green Deal
HE Dr Michael Pulch, European Union Ambassador to Australia, Delegation of the European Union to Australia
Australia's Climate Policy in the Lead Up to the Glasgow COP
Marian Wilkinson, Australian Journalist and Author
Can Australia Leverage the EU Green Deal to Boost its Own Energy Transition?
David Suder, Deputy Executive Director, Buildings and Property, Director Campus Development at Monash University
NOTE: This event will be held online and in person at RMIT University.
IN PERSON: To ensure your health and safety if you are attending in person, we ask that you:
- Stay home if unwell
- Ensure physical distancing (1.5 metres)
- Follow current government directives about wearing masks
- If you are attending this event in person, RMIT will retain a digitised record of your name and contact number for a period of 28 days for the purpose of meeting COVIDSafe obligations
Hosted by:
- The European Union Centre of Excellence, Social and Global Studies Centre at RMIT University
- Australian Institute of International Affairs – Victoria
- Delegation of the European Union to Australia
