European CO₂ Foundation

For a strong, decarbonised economy

Climate change is our world’s
biggest problem

Scientific evidence has shown that climate change is a real and present danger, not only for the environment, but for the existence of humanity itself. After all, we live on this planet and there is no plan B.

Our footprint on the planet: a shared responsibility

In addition, human beings are the source of the problem. With our industrial and economic activity, and even with our leisure time, we are having a negative impact all over the world.

Everywhere on the planet is being affected, some places worse than others. However, to a greater or lesser extent, all countries are suffering the consequences of global warming.

Economic and migratory consequences of climate change

It’s not just an environmental problem: societies are affected and so are economies. Climate change is negatively affecting the economy and causing serious migration problems. Some areas are having to be abandoned because they have become inhospitable, while others have to provide shelter for all the displaced people.

And it’s not just a few thousand displaced people: we’re talking about millions! According to data from the UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, in 2022 there were almost “32 million displacements caused by meteorological risks”.

Global warming also has other consequences. In fact, climate change is known as a “threat multiplier”, which means it amplifies the impact of other factors, such as poverty and violent conflict.

The solution to climate change lies with human beings

Some groups claim the climate change currently going on has a natural origin because over the past 800,000 years, there have been eight cycles of ice ages and warmer periods. The last of these occurred 12,000 years ago and marked the beginning of the modern climatic era. But this has nothing to do with what we are experiencing today

United to limit global warming

Current climate change is of human origin. The change is due to the huge amount of greenhouse gases that began to be generated with the industrial revolution more than 100 years ago. In a century, humans have altered the climate, something that previously, when it was due to natural causes, took more than 10,000 years. This truth cannot be denied, but we can do something to mitigate a change that is clearly taking place.

Science says we cannot now stop global change, but we can slow it down. Together, all those involved – which may include your organisation or company – can slow down global warming and limit the increase in global temperature compared to pre-industrial levels to, preferably, 1.5 degrees Celsius (Paris Agreement 2015).

Decarbonisation of the economy is a global strategy to tackle climate change

The economy as we have known it until now must change. We must incorporate the value of “sustainability” into every social and business equation, and we cannot call an activity successful if it produces a non-neutral carbon footprint.

Today’s challenge is to adapt and transform all our activities

This change in the social and business paradigm must be applied not only to new activities, but also to our current ones. We must decarbonise all our activities by applying the strategies within our reach, such as Energy Transition or Improved Energy Efficiency, and deploy these instruments through technologies and policies to ensure that net emissions of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide, are balanced and equal to, or even lower than, those eliminated through the planet’s natural absorption processes.

A common effort between the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement for a safe climate

Decarbonisation affects everyone – companies, institutions and people – and urgent measures are needed to achieve it. For this reason, in 2015, the UN General Assembly adopted “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, an action plan which, together with the Paris Agreement, is intended to keep the average global temperature increase below 2º C on pre-industrial levels.

About Europe

Decarbonisation is also an opportunity for businesses

Decarbonisation is an opportunity both for society and the businesses that implement it. Not only does it help mitigate climate change, it also helps reduce costs and improve an organisations’ prestige and brand image.

Economic benefits of renewable energy

The transition to renewable energy sources is not only beneficial for the environment, it also brings significant financial advantages. By taking advantage of cheaper energy, such as solar or wind power, companies can significantly reduce their energy costs. Implementing these energies also usually requires optimising facilities and processes, which in turn improves energy efficiency and generates additional savings.

Decarbonisation: the driving force of innovation and reputation

Decarbonisation is not only an environmental necessity, it is also an opportunity to boost innovation and technological development. As demand for sustainable energy solutions increases, research and development of new technologies that benefit both businesses and communities is being encouraged. Adopting decarbonised, sustainable practices not only contributes to a cleaner future, it also improves the image and reputation of organisations, strengthening their position in the market and in society.

The European CO2 Foundation (ECO2F) was set up to accelerate decarbonisation

Promoting a sustainable, GHG-neutral society and economyPromoting a sustainable, GHG-neutral society and economyPromoting a sustainable, GHG-neutral society and economyPromoting a sustainable, GHG-neutral society and economyPromoting a sustainable, GHG-neutral society and economy

A driving force for the transition to a sustainable future

The European CO2 Foundation (ECO2F) is a non-profit initiative created to speed up the transition to a decarbonised society and economy. With the support of committed companies, institutions and professionals, ECO2F works to recognise and publicise the best practices of organisations committed to a sustainable future. Through its work, the Foundation seeks to position the European Union and the countries committed to the United Nations’ decarbonisation goals as global leaders in terms of quality of life and environmental sustainability.

About ECO2F

A future where sustainability is the norm

The main objective of the European CO2 Foundation (ECO2F) is to create an enabling environment for the development of a strong, decarbonised economy. By recognising and providing visibility for leading sustainability organisations, the Foundation seeks to promote investment and cooperation in projects that contribute to climate neutrality. In this way, ECO2F aims to make Europe a global leader in terms of sustainability, attracting the best suppliers, partners and investors.

Who benefits from ECO2F?

Social recognition and publicity for good practices

We offer social recognition and a brand image boost for the best companies and organisations that lead this transformation towards decarbonisation and have therefore obtained the Foundation’s Diploma.

The Foundation also publicises the best practices of organisations that have earned its recognition, so that these exemplary cases can inspire other organisations to take the same path. Because the more that act to achieve their energy transition, the closer we will be to slowing down climate change.