With his article in the newspaper “Ta Nea” o President of PASOK-Movement for Change, Nikos Androulakishighlights its gaps climate law introduced for a vote in Parliament the government and presents the roadmap of the movement for insightful interventions towards the diffusion of energy production from Renewable Energy Sources (RES) to all citizens, food quality and sustainable management of natural resources.
«Our environmental and climate policies must be far-sighted in order for the country to become resilient to crises.“, Characteristically points out Mr. Androulakis.
The following is the article of the president of PASOK-Movement for Change:
«PASOK – Movement for Change in March 2021, was the first Greek party to present its legislative proposal for a national climate law. A comprehensive roadmap for the green transition and the country’s independence from fossil fuels. We are talking about climate change not as an opportunity or pursuit of communication benefits, nor for the service of business interests, but as a crusade for humanity and the environment, linked to the diffusion of RES energy production to all citizens, food quality and the sustainable management of our natural resources. Our environmental and climate policies must be far-sighted in order for the country to become resilient to crises.
Last week, the government of ND with a delay of many months presented a draft Climate Law, which is empty of content. Once again it faces a very important issue in communicative terms only. It is characteristic that the draft submitted to the Parliament is not even compatible with the proposals of the European Commission under the REPowerEU program. While setting clear goals for de-lignification, there is no reference to the total carbonization of the Greek economy, essentially confirming what we have been saying for so long: The ND government has accelerated de-lignification with dramatic consequences for local communities, promoting transitional fuel, to permanent, with all that this may entail for the country’s energy security and the achievement of climate targets at European and national level. A truly environmentally friendly policy would accelerate the transition to RES and its diffusion to citizens by strengthening energy communities for farmers, ranchers and processors as well as installing photovoltaics on rooftops to enhance the resilience of the economy and society.
It is characteristic that while the increase in gas prices is the main reason for the rise in electricity prices and the dependence on it is the central issue of all European energy policies, there is no relevant provision in the bill that was presented.
On the contrary our country was the only Member State in the Union, which increased by 25% the production of electricity from natural gasin the midst of a crisis, with Greek society paying a heavy price.
The government proposal also fails to ensure a new, scientifically independent and socially open climate co-government framework. This is the reason why as a party we submitted a relevant amendment to the Parliament, asking for the following changes to be incorporated:
1. Set a goal of phasing out all fossil fuels such as gas and oil.
2. Establish a Climate Convention, which will open the dialogue to society, with the participation of young people in particular, drawing on the good practices of the United Kingdom and France.
3. To establish a truly Independent National Scientific Council, with strong and substantial responsibilities.
Only in these terms are climate policies strengthened and, consequently, high levels of consensus reached on the necessary, scientifically substantiated and mutually beneficial actions. Our interventions are precisely aimed at creating a framework that will convince and activate the citizens. Otherwise we risk that the Climate Law is nothing more than an “green” shirt empty.
Our country must enter a trajectory of climate neutrality together with other European countries by 2050, but in terms of environmental democracy and social justice. A fundamental element in this national effort is to ensure scientific independence but also the participation of citizens, especially the younger generations, in decision-making and implementation.
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