At the beginning of the meeting, we watched the video clip "What is the European Green Deal and why is it important?" to remind everyone present of the directives of the EU strategy. Then, selected representatives of the English language groups presented arguments why, in their opinion, this strategy makes sense and we should support it or - looking at it from the opposite side - why it is impossible to implement.
The ambitious ecological transformation plan has been analyzed from the point of view of the real costs it entails, i.e. higher food prices (more ecological production methods will be more expensive), more expensive apartments and new houses (ecological materials and technologies used to build them will be more expensive), high costs transport (electric cars are and still remain expensive), energy (new, ecological renewable energy sources are and will be expensive).
The threats resulting from not changing the current course were presented: significant climate changes caused by excessive CO2 emissions (hot summers causing droughts and a decline in agricultural production), air, land and water pollution which reduces the quality of life, excessive dependence on chemicals (pesticides, artificial fertilizers, preservatives) in produced food, causing civilization-related sickness and the ever-increasing huge amounts of garbage and waste produced that are not recycled to the extent that allows for their disposal. The need to maintain the principles of ethical conduct in the supply chain with regard to energy sources (traditionally obtained, based on fossil fuels as in Germany and the modern nuclear, as in France) was mentioned. The need to change the sourcing of energy and production was mentioned, moving away from fossil fuels (coal, gas, oil) and focusing on hydrogen, solar, wind and heat pump energy.
The pressing need for changes here and now was pointed out; even small and gradual changes (not necessarily on a scale dictated by the ambitious directives of the Green Deal) will be better than inaction and continuation of old methods of behavior, resulting in further deterioration of the climate change. The need to co-operate with countries outside the European Union (China, USA, India) which cause pollution to a much greater extent than the EU and contribute to worsening climate change was pointed out. Measurable economic and financial benefits resulting from the introduction of new (albeit expensive) technologies have been noted: innovation brings financial benefits for modern companies, career development opportunities for educated people and widespread technological development. It was stressed that the costs of introducing new technologies will be subsidized by the European Union from various funds and dedicated loans. The results of public opinion polls and consumer surveys were cited, which clearly indicate the need for changes and the lack of acceptance of those companies that do not introduce changes and do not care about the natural environment in which we live.
Despite concerns about high costs and resistance to the necessity of introducing such extensive changes, measurable health, financial and civilization benefits, as well as long-term benefits for people and the environment, turned out to be much more desirable. In the audience vote FOR and AGAINST, the opinions FOR the introduction and implementation of the European Green Deal strategy prevailed.
See you at the next debate!
