Les Engagés proposes a broad “transformation plan” to save the climate
A personal carbon budget, zero-cost insulation of homes for residents, a carbon tax: Engages has put forward a series of proposals to engage Belgium in the fight against global warming.
Even if Europe sets the right course for the 2030s and 2050s, pledgers believe the country is not on track to deliver, and greenhouse gas emissions will rise further in 2022, marked by heatwaves and historic drought. “We are neither optimists nor pessimists when it comes to climate. We must be proactive“, defended Yvan Verougstraete, Vice President of Committed during a press conference in Brussels. To solve the problem of the energy transition”and we ensure the future of our children“, the movement of the center worked extensively”transformation plan“initiation should be conditioned by the holding of a referendum in accordance with their wishes”Citizen Pact for Transition“. Belgians will be invited to express their views on the need to limit CO2 emissions, in particular by creating an individual carbon budget. They will also have to express their views on the new governance of the transition with a hierarchy and clear standards between the Federal Government and regional institutions, as well as the achievement of the objectives set. the possibility of imposing sanctions in the absence thereof.
Concerned about preventing the most polluting industries from moving out of Europe, the pledges also propose replacing the European market for CO2 emission quotas with a general carbon tax mechanism targeting all products, including those from environmentally weaker countries. . Even if it means crushing international trade rules. “The fight against climate change must take precedence over free trade and globalization. Reform the World Trade Organization or ignore it“, insists the vice-president of Engages. Aware that this environmental tax will create an inflation that could cause social controversy, Engages proposes to redistribute the product to citizens “carbon dividends“.”Those who pollute less will have higher incomes.“, Yvan advances to Verougstraete.
According to the staff, the fight against climate change cannot be won without greater public awareness of the issues or significant reductions in consumption patterns, particularly of fossil fuels. In this regard, the party proposes to create an individual carbon budget for the purchase of fossil fuels as well as plane tickets. Once exhausted, it will be impossible to consume any more, except to buy back credits from those who did not use their entire budget. However, opportunities will be provided for more vulnerable or geographically isolated audiences. “We are among the movements that think we should reduce our consumption of energy and materials“, continues Mr. Verougstraete.”Decline is not a bad word!“, he insists without any defense”decay“instead of talking”vigilance“.”We are not in favor of slowing economic growth. While it is true that less material consumption is required, on the other hand, more human added value is required“, he insists. In order to significantly reduce energy consumption, Engages also advocates the creation of a comprehensive plan for the insulation of residential buildings, which will be financed entirely by public authorities on the basis of the principle of one third of other recommended measures. mass: electrification of the car park, the fight against planned obsolescence, Capture and bury CO2, build new nuclear power plants, use hydrogen or even promote agricultural methods that respect the environment more. will have to show (financial) solidarity with the countries of the south, who will be the first victims. Along with ethical logic, it is also to prevent any future influx of climate refugees.”Our offers are valid and reliable“, finally defended Maxime Prevoit, Committed.
