Europe accounts for just 7.5% of global emissions but recognizes the importance of climate action for global security. Climate change is a major risk multiplier for conflict and instability, leading to displacement, water scarcity, and food shortages. The European Union is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing renewable energy sources, and achieving climate neutrality by 2050 [f1572d42].
To address the interconnected challenges of climate change and global security, the EU has implemented the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). This mechanism ensures that carbon-intensive imports are subject to a carbon price, leveling the playing field for EU industries and encouraging other countries to reduce their emissions [f1572d42] [8baa71f1]. CBAMs are being adopted worldwide, and products with higher carbon intensity, such as steel from China and India, will soon cost more in the global market [8baa71f1].
The PROVE-IT Act aims to study and compare the carbon emissions of U.S. products vs. other countries' and create a database to negotiate effectively with trading partners that use CBAMs. This market leverage will push countries like China to clean up their manufacturing processes [8baa71f1].
The green transition will have a significant impact on the global balance of power. As the EU reduces its dependence on fossil fuels, new dependencies on critical raw materials will emerge. To address this, the EU aims to strengthen ties with Africa, Latin America, and South Asia to ensure diversity of supply [f1572d42].
The EU recognizes that a global solution is necessary and calls for multilateral cooperation at COP28. They advocate for the phase-out of fossil fuels, energy efficiency measures, and the expansion of renewable energy capacity worldwide. The EU also emphasizes the need to support climate-vulnerable countries in their climate adaptation and green energy transition efforts. They are the largest contributors of public climate finance and call for aligning financial flows with the goals of the Paris Agreement. The EU highlights the importance of reforming international financial institutions and multilateral development banks, as well as adequately funding the Loss and Damage Fund [f1572d42].
In addition to climate action, recent protests have taken place regarding the violence in Gaza. It is important to approach this issue with nuance and understanding. The protests denouncing Israeli violence include non-Israeli Jews, Israeli Jews, and people of all races and religions who want peace in the region. The history of Israel is complicated, and it's important to read and understand it. Protests at Dartmouth and other colleges lack clarity on the situation in Israel and Gaza. It is important to unite with a clear message of supporting the right of Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace with full human rights and condemning terrorism. A national policy should include a ceasefire in Gaza, a Palestinian state, acceptance of Israel, condemnation of terrorism, and full rights and protections for Palestinians in the West Bank [8baa71f1].
In conclusion, Europe's commitment to climate action is driven by the recognition of its importance for global security. The EU is implementing various measures, such as the CBAM and greening trade policy, to reduce emissions and address deforestation. The green transition will reshape the global balance of power, and the EU aims to ensure diversity of supply by strengthening ties with other regions. The EU calls for multilateral cooperation, the phase-out of fossil fuels, and increased support for climate-vulnerable countries. They also emphasize the need for financial reform and adequate funding for climate initiatives. Additionally, trade rules can play a role in addressing global trade imbalances and climate change. The EU's CBAM and the PROVE-IT Act in the U.S. are examples of efforts to incentivize other countries to reduce their emissions. It is important to approach complex issues like the situation in Israel and Gaza with nuance and understanding, and to advocate for a clear message of peace, human rights, and condemnation of terrorism [f1572d42] [8baa71f1].