HBKU’s College of Public Policy and European Union host lecture on EU Green Deal to build healthy planet
THE College of Public Policy (CPP) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), in collaboration with the European Union Delegation to Qatar and Kuwait, hosted a virtual expert panel discussion titled ‘Towards climate neutrality: How is the EU driving global action?’ to highlight the EU’s climate change mitigation measures and best practices.
The event, held ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in partnership with Italy from October 31 to November 12, aimed to raise awareness about the devastating effects of climate change and highlight the EU Green Deal, which is Europe’s roadmap to rebuilding a healthy planet for all.
The EU aims to make Europe the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050, and it is a global leader in climate action. The EU introduced the ‘Fit for 55’ Package in summer 2020, with the goal of putting the EU on track to meet its ambitious target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. As a short-term contribution to climate action, the EU has also been working to launch a “international methane initiative” to reduce methane emissions.
The joint expert panel discussion, comprising Cyril Loisel, an expert at the European Commission’s Directorate General for Climate Action; Dr. Andreas Rechkemmer, senior professor, CPP, HBKU; Dr. Damilola S. Olawuyi, associate professor, College of Law, HBKU; and Dr. Leslie A. Pal, moderator and the founding dean of CPP, HBKU, brought together students, academics, the HBKU community, environmental organizations, and the public at large.
Speaking at the opening of the panel discussion, Dr. Pal said: “The College of Public Policy is delighted and honored to partner with the EU Delegation for Qatar on one of the major issues of our time, not just of course for Qatar, but the region and the world. It’s no secret that many countries are lagging in their Paris commitments. We need both models and leadership going forward, and the EU’s goal for 2050 provides both. And I’m particularly glad that we have this chance to engage our students, not just in our College, but throughout HBKU and Education City, in learning about both the issues, as well as the design of far-sighted and innovative solutions.”
HE Dr. Cristian Tudor, EU Ambassador to Kuwait and Qatar, said: “Finding solutions to the climate emergency is the greatest challenge of our time. The EU is paving the way to reach climate neutrality in 2050 and the European Deal is our plan to make our economies more sustainable, create new opportunities for innovation, investment, jobs and improve our health and well-being.”
He further added: “Tackling climate change is also high on Qatar’s national agenda and the EU is working with partners here in Qatar and in the wider Gulf region to boost global climate action, invest in renewable energy and the green economy, advancing research and innovation for clean technologies, protecting biodiversity and increasing resilience.”
In his remarks, Loisel emphasised the key elements of the EU Green Deal, delving into some of the policy priorities and how they can be implemented to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change. The virtual panel discussion took place on the HBKU campus on October 5, 2021. Participants engaged in a lively Q&A session, discussing some of today’s most pressing issues as well as opportunities to strengthen EU-Qatar cooperation in environmental protection and climate action.