Europe, a collective region that is moving towards a sustainable future!

In terms of sustainability practices, Europe is the leading force globally. One of the major factors on why they top the game is because of the culture that people have adapted, taking climate change as well as sustainable living seriously – almost as if their society was built for it.

Sustainable living is the lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual's or society's use of the Earth's natural resources, and one's personal resources. It is often called "earth harmony living" or "net zero living".

In the European Union, these practices are being made mandatory. Recycling and reusing is being encouraged through taxes on plastic bags. In addition, in order to prevent food wastage, there are implemented sets of rules that the people must abide by and if not there are consequences or penalties that are taken seriously in a court of law. 

Moreover, the EU's coal industry is being rapidly replaced by the renewable energy industry. Thus, the European Union estimated that by 2020, at least 20% of the EU's energy was from renewable sources. 

The European Commission's strategy also targets for a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a 20% improvement in energy efficiency and a commitment to produce 20% of the EU's energy from renewables. With these goals, the commission also aims to ensure that every home is well insulated.

As part of the Europe 2020 strategy, each country will have to reach a national target for the percentage of energy it obtains from renewable sources. With the complementary measures that they imposed, it is expected that it will improve the way traditional energy sources are used and will have an overall cut down on energy consumption. 

Europe is acting fast in the field of sustainability. This may help the global warming crisis; in particular, it might set an example for the rest of the world on how to mitigate and slow down climate change.

The climate crisis has been prominent in the media this past year, with a growing consensus that we’re running out of time. For that reason, in our everyday lives, one of the most impactful changes that we as individuals can make is to eat more sustainably. Key processes are being put into place to promote a more sustainable future in order to combat this issue.

Furthermore, to aid in this process, leading scientific journal 'Nature' has provided the first ever comprehensive assessment of the European nations taking action against climate change. In addition to these nations, many other countries within Europe are making efforts towards climate change.

The European Climate Foundation (ECF) has also recently announced its largest batch of recipients yet from its Sustainable Europe Investment Plan portfolio programme.

So what does this mean for you? Well, it’s clear that there is still much to be done in order for us to achieve a sustainable future. However, each of us have the ability to help even in the smallest way and in order to achieve this, we must be able to sustain these well established practices as well as promote a lifestyle that suits our living standards. If those smallest efforts from the communities were combined, it is possible to produce a sustainable living with sufficient resources. It’s a long journey for all countries around the world. They must start now and adapt the same advocacy of Europe before it's too late.

Europe is on track to becoming more sustainable. It has been setting an example for the rest of the world with its innovative and environment friendly practices. It is also approaching rapidly and advancing towards a sustainable and eco-friendly future. Therefore, everyone must be given an equal opportunity to enjoy life in a more sustainable way. We need to change our mindset and start thinking about sustainable practices in the present tense. With the right mindset, we can make this world a better place and is worth the time!