Challenges of a fast growing population
The world population has already exceeded 7 billion people. With the growing population we also face a tripling of annual global resource extraction before 2050, if the existing development continues. Specifically, this means more than a doubling of the biomass use, while almost a fourfold increase in the fossil fuel use, and a tripling of the annual use of metals and minerals used for construction. Besides increasing the competition for the scarce resources, this would lead to increased destruction of the environment; accelerate climate change and leave less room for the unspoiled nature.
Target: Boost resource efficiency
Eco-innovation needs to be accelerated in a way that will boost resource productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness and help to safeguard the environment. If the pressure on the environment and the global extraction of resources should stay at the same level as to day, while at the same time global poverty should be eradicated, then we need far-reaching absolute resource use reductions in the industrialized countries, by a factor of 3 to 5.
Creation of green jobs
Beside contribution to a better environment green technology is a key to economic growth and job creation. Green technologies such as water saving technologies and cleaner shipping are a Danish stronghold that represents about 15 % of the total Danish export.
EU priorities
Denmark wishes to strengthen policies for Environmental Innovation in the EU, focusing on the major environmental and resource challenges associated with food production, transport, energy and industry.
Links
Danish Action Plan for Environmental technology
EU’s Action Plan for Environmental Technology (ETAP)
Sustainability