Autori:

Urda Daria
Popica Anastasia
Buzea Sebastian
Bularca Ana Sabrina
Global change refers to the many changes unfolding across our planet,
including changes to climate, land, water, and ecosystems. Humans
increasingly shape these changes and are a consequential part of the Earth
system.
What are the solutions to climate change?
1.Keep fossil fuels in the ground
2.Invest in renewable energy.
3.Switch to sustainable transport.
4.Help us keep our homes cosy.
5.Improve farming and encourage vegan diets.
6.Restore nature to absorb more carbon.
7.Protect forests like the Amazon.
8.Protect the oceans.
We cannot, of course, estimate or predict how much the planet will be affected
because of us and the way we choose to live. What we do know, instead is that
we are going to a crisis and we are the main cause of it. Today, our duty is to
discuss the problem, find causes and solutions.
Let’s talk about the causes:
Release of greenhouse gases: One of the most important causes of global
warming is the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases,
such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitric oxide (N2O), act as a
thermal blanket around the Earth, trapping heat and increasing the planet's
average temperature.
2. Burning fossil fuels: Using fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas for
power generation, transportation and other purposes releases significant
amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. This is one of the largest sources of
greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Deforestation: Deforestation to clear land for agriculture, construction and
other purposes reduces the ability of forests to absorb CO2 from the
atmosphere. Forests are an important carbon sink, and their loss contributes to
the increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration.
4. Population growth and urbanization: World population growth and
urbanization lead to an increase in demand for resources, including energy and
food, which can lead to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Unplanned
urban development can intensify CO2 emissions from transport and
manufacturing.
5. Intensive Agriculture: Modern agriculture, especially meat production and
animal husbandry, can contribute to global warming by releasing methane and
nitrogen dioxide, two powerful greenhouse gases.
6. Land use changes: Changes in land use, such as urban development,
agricultural expansion and land use changes, can affect greenhouse gas
emissions and uptake.
7. Industrial activities: Industrial production and chemical processes can release
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
8. Air Pollution: The release of fine particles and air pollutants can directly
affect air quality and in some cases contribute to global warming by reflecting
solar radiation or other mechanisms.

Affected areas:
1. Climate and Weather: Climate change caused by global warming includes
increases in global average temperatures, increased extreme weather events,
rising sea levels, and decreased snow and ice in many regions.
2. Natural environment: Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are disrupted, which
can lead to loss of biodiversity, extinction of species and significant changes in
natural habitats.
3. Agriculture: Climate change affects agricultural production by altering
rainfall patterns, increasing temperatures, and increasing the risk of drought and
flooding. These can have a negative impact on the food supply.
4. Climate and Weather: Climate changes caused by global warming include
increases in global average temperatures, increased extreme weather events,
rising sea levels, and decreased snow and ice in many regions.
5. Natural environment: Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are disturbed, which
can lead to loss of biodiversity, extinction of species and significant changes in
natural habitats.
6. Agriculture: Climate change affects agricultural production by altering
rainfall patterns, increasing temperatures, and increasing the risk of drought and
flooding. These can have a negative impact on the food supply.
Solutions
1. Transition to clean energy sources: Reducing carbon dioxide emissions by
replacing fossil energy sources with renewable energy sources such as solar,
wind and hydropower.
2. Energy efficiency: Promoting the efficient use of energy in all economic
sectors, from housing and buildings to industry and transport.
3. Sustainable transport: Development of public transport, promotion of
electric vehicles and improvement of infrastructure for active transport
(bicycles, walking).
4. Conserving forests and restoring ecosystems: Protecting existing forests and
restoring destroyed ecosystems can help absorb carbon from the atmosphere.
5. Sustainable agriculture: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices, which
reduce methane and nitrogen dioxide emissions, and promote soil carbon
storage.
6. Waste reduction: Recycling and proper waste management can reduce
greenhouse gas emissions from landfills.

Speaking of Europe economy , we all know about circular economy. But

what does it mean? The circular economy is a model of production and
consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing
and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In this way,
the life cycle of products is extended. In practice, it implies reducing waste to a
minimum. When a product reaches the end of its life, its materials are kept
within the economy wherever possible thanks to recycling. These can be
productively used again and again, thereby creating further value.
Circular economy for textiles: taking responsibility for reducing, reusing and
recycling textile waste & boosting markets for used textiles. This initiative will
accelerate the development of the textile separate collection, sorting, reuse
and recycling sector in the EU, in line with the EU Strategy for Sustainable and
Circular Textiles. Increasing the availability of used textiles is expected to create
local jobs and save money for consumers in the EU and beyond, while reducing
the impact of textile production on natural resources.
The Commission proposes the introduction of mandatory and harmonized
extended producer liability systems for textiles in all EU member states.
Extended producer responsibility schemes have succeeded in improving the
management of waste from several products, such as packaging, batteries and
electrical and electronic equipment. Manufacturers will cover the costs of
managing textile waste, which will also give them incentives to reduce waste
and increase the circularity of textile products – designing better products from
the start. The amount that manufacturers will pay for the extended producer
responsibility scheme will be adjusted according to the environmental
performance of the textiles, a principle known as "eco-modulation".
Implementation by Member States of the requirement for separate collection
of textiles from 2025, in line with current legislation. Producer contributions
will finance investments in separate collection, sorting, reuse and recycling
capabilities. The strategy aims to create a greener, more competitive sector
that is more resilient to global shocks.

The Commission's 2030 vision for textiles is that

• all textile products introduced on the EU market are durable, repairable and
recyclable, largely made from recycled fibres, without hazardous substances,
produced in compliance with social and environmental rights.
• "fast fashion is out of fashion" and consumers benefit more from high quality
textile materials at affordable prices
• profitable reuse and repair services are widely available
• the textile sector is competitive, resilient and innovative, producers take
responsibility for their products along the value chain, with sufficient capacities
for recycling and incineration and minimal storage.

Industrial strategy
We are taking action to maintain European industry’s global competitiveness,
reach climate-neutrality by 2050, and make Europe fit for the digital age.
Among various actions that help industry take advantage of the twin green and
digital transformations, the Commission is:
• supporting the transformation of EU energy-intensive industries to
enable a climate-neutral, circular economy by 2050
• empowering citizens by providing skills for industry
• promoting advanced technologies
• supporting innovation through policies and programmes
• taking action on intellectual property so companies can better manage
and benefit from their non-tangible assets
• developing clusters and pooling European, national and regional
resources to aid the revitalisation of regions
• providing platforms for discussion and dialogue, such as the annual EU
Industry Days
Industrial alliances
Industrial alliances bring together a wide range of partners in a given industry
or value chain, including public and private actors, and civil society. They can
play a role in achieving key EU policy objectives through joint action by all the
interested partners. Alliances have already delivered benefit in the area of
batteries and circular plastics. Building on this success, the Commission
launched the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance and the European Raw
Materials Alliance

Sustainability and circular economy

For coherence between industrial, environmental, climate and energy policy,
we should optimise the business environment for sustainable growth,
innovation and job creation. Our ambitious agenda aims to make the EU
economy circular, so products and materials can maintain their value for as
long as possible, yielding major economic benefits. The Commission also
supports European industry in the move to a climate-neutral economy and is
improving the energy efficiency of products through ecodesign legislation.

Digital transformation
Digital technology is changing people’s lives. The EU’s digital strategy aims to
make this transformation work for people and businesses as well as adding to
its target of a climate-neutral Europe by 2050. We work to establish an
environment where businesses are encouraged to Digital Transformation adopt
and develop digital technologies, while earning citizens trust. To do this, the
Commission launched the European chips survey to support the semiconductor
industry, and the Get Digital initiative to scale digital solutions in the EU,
Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.

Solutions:
Supporting innovative companies in the region

Transport
-is based on the consumption of natural resources that are transformed into
the energy needed to move quantities of goods and passengers from one
geographical point to another, depending on the specific needs of supply
chains and passenger flows. They have a significant contribution to greenhouse
gas emissions, gases responsible for climate change.

It is considered that at the level of the European Union, about 28% of gas
emissions with an evening effect are caused by transport, 84% of them come
from road transport. More than 10% of carbon dioxide emissions in the EU
come from road traffic in urban areas.

Approximately 65% of the population of the European Union is exposed to

very high levels of noise coming from urban traffic, causing discomfort and
health problems.
The European Commission's Zero Pollution Action aims to reduce the
number of people chronically affected by transport noise by 30% by 2030
compared to 2017 levels.
According to the European Environment Agency's assessment, published today,
this target is unlikely to be achieved without further legislative or regulatory
changes, mainly due to the difficulty of reducing the large number of people
exposed to road traffic noise

The effects of transport pollution on the environment and the health of the
population can be both direct (as a result of exposure to various polluting
agents and special climatic phenomena), and indirect (due to the activity of
polluting agents on water, soil and vegetation). All types of transport
contribute to the complex pollution of the environment, due to its systemic
composition and the propagation of changes from one component to another.
The specific measures for the development of a sustainable transport system in
large cities are: the introduction of taxes on fuel, parking, annual taxes for the
ownership of vehicles, etc.; prohibition of car traffic in certain historical or
central areas; development of infrastructural networks for cyclists and
pedestrians; encouraging public transport (especially non-polluting vehicles)
and limiting the use of certain routes; forcing the removal of old vehicles from
use; forcing the periodic maintenance of vehicles; speed limitation;
encouraging the arrangement of parking spaces (multi-storey car parks).
Recently the European Environment Agency published a report incriminating
road transport (including cars) as the most important polluter with compounds
harmful to health among all economic branches. The report includes
measurements made by the 27 member states between 1990 and 2013
and notes "significant improvements" in emissions from cars, trucks, buses and
coaches. However, as a share of total emissions, road transport remained at
the top of the ranking in most categories of compounds harmful to health.
Thus, motor vehicles are the dominant source of pollution with sulfur oxides,
carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds (other than methane).
Starting from these considerations, the author of this book proposes to the
reader a unified methodology for approaching fuel economy and limiting
emissions in motor vehicle engines.

Solutions:
Apart from using electric cars and public transport, you can also try the
following solutions to reduce car pollution:
1. Carpooling - share your car with other people to reduce the number of cars
on the road.
2. Electric bicycles or scooters - use greener means of transport for short
distances.
3. Efficient driving - maintain a constant speed, avoid sudden acceleration and
braking.
4. Regular car maintenance - make sure your vehicle is in good working order
to reduce polluting emissions.
5. Promote legislation for cleaner vehicles and support green infrastructure
initiatives.

Agriculture can affect the environment in many ways. Excessive use of

pesticides and chemical fertilizers can pollute soil and water. Deforestation to
make way for agricultural land can lead to the loss of natural habitats. Intensive
agricultural practices can also lead to soil erosion and decreased biodiversity. It
is important to promote sustainable agricultural practices to protect the
environment.
 Agriculture can also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly
through the use of agricultural machinery and fermentation processes in the
livestock industry. Also, excessive irrigation can lead to lowering of
groundwater levels. It is important to promote sustainable agricultural
practices, such as organic farming and efficient use of resources, to protect the
environment and ensure a sustainable future for agriculture. At EU level, in
2014, construction contributed 34.7% of the total, followed by extractive
industry (28.2%), manufacturing industry (10.2%), water and waste (9.1%) and
households ( 8.3%); the remaining 9.5% was waste generated by other
economic activities, notably services (3.9%) and energy (3.7%).
relative to population size. The high levels of waste generated in some of the
smaller EU member states can be clearly seen, with a particularly high value
recorded in Bulgaria, where on average 24.9 tonnes of waste per capita were
generated in 2014, five times the EU average of 4.9 tonnes .

SOLUTIONS: There are several solutions to reduce pollution from

agriculture.
-Some of these include the use of organic farming, which involves avoiding
pesticides and chemical fertilizers and promoting sustainable soil management
practices.
- Implementing efficient irrigation systems and reducing greenhouse gas
emissions by optimizing the use of agricultural machinery are also
- Promote biodiversity
- An integrated approach and cooperation between farmers, authorities and
organizations is needed to implement these solutions and protect the
environment.

Construction can pollute in several ways. Some sources of pollution may

be emissions of dust and particulates into the air, excessive noise, improper use
and disposal of construction materials, and improper management of
construction waste.
 We can waste energy in buildings through the inefficient use of heating,
ventilation and air conditioning systems, through poor insulation of buildings,
and through the use of equipment and energy systems that are outdated or
unsuitable for the specific needs of the building.
To reduce energy waste, it is important to opt for energy efficient solutions
and implement sustainable building practices.
In the European Union (EU), there are strict rules and regulations to reduce
pollution generated by construction. The EU promotes sustainable and energy-
efficient buildings through several directives and policies.
These include requirements on the energy efficiency of buildings, the use of
sustainable and recyclable materials, the proper management of construction
waste and the promotion of renewable energy. The EU also encourages
innovation and the development of green technologies in the construction
industry.
By implementing these measures, the EU aims to reduce the negative impact of
construction on the environment and promote a sustainable future.

SOLUTIONS
To reduce the pollution generated by construction, we can adopt the following
solutions:
1. Use of sustainable and recyclable building materials.
2. Implementation of efficient thermal and energy insulation systems.
3. The use of renewable energy sources in the construction process and in the
operation of buildings.
4. Adequate management of construction waste through recycling and reuse.
5. Promoting sustainable architecture and green building practices.
6. Adoption of modern and intelligent technologies for efficient energy
management in buildings.
7. Sensitizing and educating the community about the impact of construction
on the environment and promoting a sustainable lifestyle.
EU legislation consists of:
The founding treaties, which established the European Union and regulate its
functioning . EU regulations, directives and decisions, which have a direct or
indirect effect on member states.

What do we do individually? For example, at school we had several

afforestation actions, cleaning the city, informing people about how much
damage their actions cause and how they could resolve it. Also, we had some
boxes for waste selection: cardboard, different from household ones. We
recycled and reused clothing items, and also donated some . At the same time,
we a held a clothes fair, where we had the chance to choose clothes from
another person. At home, we try to save as much as possible, energy, water,
and so on. Change starts with small, insignificant things.

As for the European Parliament and what it could do... It could do a lot,
which they are all trying to do. What is the European Parliament resolution on
climate change?

On 15 September 2022, Parliament adopted a resolution on the

consequences of drought, fire and other extreme weather phenomena, aimed
at further strengthening the EU's efforts to fight climate change.

In December 2019, EU leaders, meeting within the European Council,

agreed that the EU should achieve climate-neutrality by 2050.
Becoming climate-neutral means that, by 2050, EU countries will have to
drastically reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and find ways of
compensating for the remaining and unavoidable emissions to reach a net-zero
emissions balance.
In its conclusions, the European Council underlined that the transition to
climate neutrality brings significant opportunities for:
-economic growth
-markets and jobs
-technological development
What we should do? Listen, support and try to make the world a better place to
live.