Pierfrancesco Maran, Chair of the European Parliament Committee on Environment, highlighted the critical role of environmental diplomacy at a time when global pressures are intensifying. Shifts in geopolitical alignments, rapid technological advances, trade tensions, and competition for essential resources are creating complex environmental and social challenges. Conflicts, such as those in the Middle East, exacerbate climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource degradation, leading to economic disruption, forced migration, and threats to human well-being. Environmental consequences extend far beyond immediate conflict zones, impacting global stability and livelihoods, particularly among the most vulnerable populations.
Maran emphasized that environmental security underpins human, national, food, and energy security. Healthy ecosystems, biodiversity, fertile soils, clean water, resilient oceans, and renewable energy form the foundation for stable societies and robust economies, with around half of global GDP dependent on nature. He stressed that defense-focused approaches alone cannot protect nations from environmental decline and its societal impacts. Collective, multilateral action is essential, and existing global agreements demonstrate the potential of cooperation to ensure shared responsibility, fairness, and tangible progress in environmental protection.
Science remains central to effective environmental action. Maran noted that Europe’s clean air, water, and functioning ecosystems are the results of leaders following scientific guidance, enforcing regulations, and acting decisively despite short-term challenges. Past environmental crises, such as polluted rivers and acid rain, were mitigated through science-based policies that improved public health and ecological quality. He warned against diluting regulations or undermining scientific evidence, emphasizing that doing so would exacerbate the costs of floods, droughts, fires, and agricultural failures. Strengthening science-based frameworks and embedding environmental considerations in EU external policies can drive resilience, digital solutions, and strategic investments globally.
Finally, Maran urged focusing on existing solutions that benefit both people and the planet. He stressed that environmental investment does not hinder growth but prevents greater costs from inaction. Smart policies promote economic gains, reduce premature deaths, alleviate poverty, and enhance equity and climate justice. Europe’s environmental sectors already employ millions, and sustainable practices support agriculture, preserve iconic landscapes, and protect species such as the European beaver, bison, and lynx. Protecting nature reinforces national identity and public pride while fostering economic and social stability.
Maran concluded that the environment is fundamental to prosperity, stability, and security. Leadership in environmental protection strengthens health, economies, and communities. In a world of competing priorities, delaying action is not an option; a just, resilient, and competitive future relies on investing in the environment today.
