Adopted in July 2021, the EU forest strategy is the European Union’s plan to improve the quantity and quality of forests in its Member States. It is part of the “Fit for 55” package, the EU’s overall plan to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The forest strategy aims to strengthen forest protection, restore biodiversity and carbon pits, and increase the resilience of natural habitats. Not only that, but it is also an ambitious plan to create jobs and improve health conditions, although it does have drawbacks.

As part of the European Union's (EU) Green Deal legislation, a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has been proposed that should work hand-in-hand with the EU Emissions Trade Scheme (ETS) Some individuals suggest the ETS already covers what the CBAM promises; for example, it is based on the purchase of certificates by importers and will be based on the weekly price of EU ETS allowances CBAMs have been trialled or are in the planning stage in different regions of the world such as California, Canada and Japan.

Its Emissions Trading System is central to the EU’s efforts in reducing power and industrial emissions. In the cap-and-trade system, an overall amount of yearly emissions allowances is defined which can be traded among participants. Reforms have over the years improved the performance of the EU-ETS and a further tightening of its terms has recently been proposed.

There were many disagreements about EU climate policies in the ‘90s but two programmes were created that were instrumental to today's climate policies. SAVE was created to promote energy efficiency through streamlining standards and making information readily available to consumers. ALTENER was launched to develop a better understanding around renewable energy sources and bridge the gap between research and their practical application.

In 1974 the World Environmental Day was created with the idea that “the Governments of the world would undertake worldwide activities reaffirming their concern for the preservation and enhancement of the human environment, to deepen environmental awareness”.

What is the Fit for 55 package? The package can be divided into three categories: energy, transport and emission reductions. It is up to the member states and the European parliament to find an agreement on the proposals.

The European Council reviewed the European Commission’s target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by the year 2030.