European Green Deal facts for kids

The European Green Deal is a big plan by the European Commission. Its main goal is to make Europe the first continent to be "climate neutral" by the year 2050. Being climate neutral means that Europe will not add any more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere than it removes.

This plan also aims to greatly reduce the EU's greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The goal is to cut them by at least 50%, and ideally towards 55%, compared to how much was released in 1990.

Who is Leading the Green Deal?

Ursula von der Leyen, who is the president of the European Commission, called the European Green Deal Europe's "man on the Moon moment." She meant it was a huge and important step, like landing on the Moon.

She believes this plan will make Europe the first continent to be climate neutral. To help with this big task, she chose Frans Timmermans to be in charge of the European Green Deal as an Executive Vice President.

How the Plan Was Approved

Many important groups had to agree to the European Green Deal. On December 13, 2019, the European Council decided to approve the plan. However, Poland did not agree with it at that time.

Then, on January 15, 2020, the European Parliament also voted to support the deal. This showed that many leaders in Europe wanted to move forward with the plan.

Images for kids

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  CO2 emissions per person in the European Union.

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  Organic farming methods can help reach the 'From Farm to Fork' goals.

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  Forests, like Meenikunno Nature Park in Estonia, will be restored.