Climate plans

Global agreements have been made to prevent the earth from heating up even more. Policies and legislation have since provided shape to these plans. Finland is the first country to go a step further. The people of Finland wanted more climate action. That’s why the country now has a particularly ambitious climate plan: the new national government wants to become carbon neutral by 2035, ahead of the rest of Europe. There are several potential climate plans. We will discuss some of them below, no matter how big or small.

The Paris Agreement: this agreement provides a global framework for reducing emissions and limiting global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius. However, the Paris Agreement was just the first step. From there, Europe looked at what goals could be connected to it. This resulted in the European Green Deal.

The European Green Deal: a series of policy initiatives from the European Commission under Von der Leyen, with the overarching aim of making Europe climate neutral by 2050. This would make Europe the first continent to become climate neutral.

Climate Law: a legal mandate for the European Union to be climate neutral by 2050. Net greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by 55% by 2030, compared to 1990.

Strategy for circular textiles: the main aim is to ensure that all textile products brought into the European market are sustainable, repairable and recyclable (largely made from recycled fibres and free of dangerous materials). Products must also be produced with respect for social rights and the environment.

Dutch EPR for textiles: textile companies will be responsible for collecting and recycling discarded clothing from 2023. The EPR does not yet apply to the furniture industry. However, it indicates that such legislation is on the horizon. It’s just a question of time before our sector is affected by these changes. Policymakers understand the necessity. Now, it’s all about inspiring businesses and consumers to choose sustainability.