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Decarbonization in the EU: Setting the Scene

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Decarbonization in the European Union

Part of the book series: Energy, Climate and the Environment ((ECE))

Abstract

Climate change is a challenge that requires long-term, cross-sectoral and cross-border action. It is often described as one of the most complex problems facing humankind — one that affects the entire planet and all aspects of modern society (Haug et al., 2010). The European Union (EU) is not immune to the challenges of mitigating and adapting to climate change. Human-induced climate change is caused by the emission of potent and long-lived greenhouse gases (GHGs), which has increased since pre-industrial times (IPCC, 2013). Reducing GHG emissions quickly enough to a level that will prevent ‘dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system’ (UNFCCC, Article 2) means transforming our infrastructure, energy, transport, agriculture and industrial sectors away from fossil fuels.

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Authors
  1. Claire Dupont
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  2. Sebastian Oberthür
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for European Studies, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium

    Claire Dupont (Senior Researcher) & Sebastian Oberthür (Academic Director) (Senior Researcher) &  (Academic Director)

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© 2015 Claire Dupont and Sebastian Oberthür

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Dupont, C., Oberthür, S. (2015). Decarbonization in the EU: Setting the Scene. In: Dupont, C., Oberthür, S. (eds) Decarbonization in the European Union. Energy, Climate and the Environment. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137406835_1

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