A citizen-centric approach to evidence-based decision-making under the European Green Deal

The European Green Deal is an ambitious plan that envisions a profound transformation of the economy of the European Union (EU), in order to achieve climate and sustainability objectives. In particular, it aims to achieve a goal of ‘no net emissions’ of greenhouse gases by 2050 and a decoupling of economic growth from resource use. Its ‘deeply transformative policies’ will have widespread impacts on communities and industries across Europe, from energy supply, industry, production and consumption, to large-scale infrastructure, transport, food and agriculture, construction, taxation and social benefits. As a result, it promises to affect the lives of just about everyone in the EU. The Green Deal has already been met with fierce criticism, ranging from concern over whether it can meet its environmental and economic objectives to allegations that it prioritises private investment over the public interest. Because of the diversity of the European economy, the Green Deal necessitates more drastic changes in some nations than others, leading to concern over disparities in its application and increasing regional inequality. The broad mandate is likely to exacerbate pre- existing and underlying societal tensions, and may result in conflicts with communities that are impacted. The Green Deal recognises the need for careful attention to the potential trade-offs between economic, environmental and social objectives, stating that it will be guided by the European Pillar of Social Rights in ensuring that ‘no one is left behind.’ However, this raises important questions about how policymakers will strike the appropriate balance. The paper will focus on human rights and the role of citizens in climate conflicts from a legal constitutional perspective.