Greece is one of many countries with beautiful scenery and
breathtaking views. Ensuring that their environment is protected is a process
that will take time and money. The consumption production and reduction goal is
one that should be heavily implemented in order for their environment
sustainability to be a success.
Some of their biggest accomplishments thus far is lowering
NOx and CO2 emissions and decreasing the energy intensity; reliance on natural
gas has significantly gone down. Water use for irrigation has increased,
agriculture and industry sectors are declining or have no change in their
production, yet the transportation has grown due to international tourism. This
is the mission that the Ministry of Environment has for combating climate
change. (United Nations 2018)
Other than their current steps Greece has taken to complete
this goal, they have also worked on creating stricter environmental
regulations. Marine pollution is a problem, and to combat this aspect they have
created a new wastewater treatment infrastructure. To pay for this they have
been working on the water pricing which they claim is a “challenge.” (United
Nations 2018)
Some incentives Greece has put into effect are Green Growth and the Environmental Impact Assessments. These
both protect natural resources and affect the building of infrastructure and
public works projects. These were created to enhance the quality of life in
respect for the environment and strengthen the mechanisms and institutions
currently in place.
A goal they have set, but have made small progress in is
establish marine and off-shore wind installations as a source of renewable energy.
(United Nations 2018) There has been small progress made here because they lack
the finances to get it up and going quickly, but in time, they will hopefully
reach the desired funds. Another goal they have been working hard towards is
the promotion of recycling. Living near the ocean has its downsides since some
pollution ends up there. This goal is probably one of the most significant that
they should be working towards. Lastly, the implementation of eco-labels have
been successful towards this goal. These have been placed on the market to help
advertise products as eco-friendly. However, there is a small number of
products that have these eco-labels, but in time with education and availability
of more products, consumers will start purchasing these products.
Tourism is a factor in Greece that requires the most
attention. Greece receives a lot of its money from tourism because of its
scenery and activities to partake in there. The construction of facilities and
services has heavy restrictions because of Greece trying to protect their
ecosystems. (WWF Greece 2009) There is a lot of research that needs to be done
to determine the effectiveness of these steps they need to take and what order
they should take them in.
United Nations. (2018). The
ten-year framework of programs on sustainable consumption and production
patterns. Retrieved from https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/dsd/dsd_aofw_ni/ni_pdfs/NationalReports/greece/Greece_CSD18-19-Chapter_V-10YFP-SCP.pdf
WWF Greece. (2009). Climate
change impacts Greece in the near future. Retrieved from
https://www.bankofgreece.gr/RelatedDocuments/WWF_Climate_change_impacts_in_Greece_in_the_near_future.pdf
