May 2013 editorial
Is the EU giving up on its green battles and abandoning its leading role as a global green leader? Are governments rolling back their green policies and legislation? Is Europe becoming a land that invites any type of development, regardless of its ecological footprint, always based on a chorus of urgency in dealing with the economic crisis? Are we witnessing a decreasing footprint in European lifestyles?
WWF’s CrisisWatch monthly bulletin aims at providing answers to these pressing questions. Now in its 15th issue, since February 2012, CrisisWatch has reported on a number of alarming losses of environmental acquis and high footprint investments, both at the national and at the EU level. It has also highlighted isolated cases of reduced energy footprint and material consumption, resulting from the economic hardship. Overall, the picture is rather dim for the environment and the prospects of greening the economy, both in the EU and in non-EU countries influenced by European policies.
In the view of WWF, the economic and the environmental crisis are deeply rooted in the same unsustainable economic development model. The present economic hardship should herald the need for a transition to truly sustainable economies.
We sincerely hope you find this e-bulletin interesting and useful to your work and please share with us any information which you consider relevant.
Theodota Nantsou, WWF Greece & Isabella Pratesi, WWF Italy