07 Feb. Taking stock of the Green Deal: our biodiversity is in particularly bad shape

The latest EU report is alarming: biodiversity is dwindling rapidly, our soils are damaged and resource consumption is still far too high - as if there were a second planet in reserve. 61% of soils are already considered "unhealthy" and there is a lack of reliable data for almost half of the biodiversity targets. How can we effectively protect our ecosystems if we don't even know where the damage is greatest?

We are also falling short of our own standards in the circular economy. Raw material consumption continues to rise and key targets such as halving municipal waste and doubling the recycling rate are a long way off. Recycling alone is not enough - we need to avoid waste in the first place and use materials more efficiently instead of just recycling them.

At the same time, progress is being made, for example in the expansion of renewable energies and the development of sustainable technologies. However, these positive developments should not obscure the fact that we need to act faster and more decisively in key areas.

We must act decisively now! The protection of our natural resources must take priority. This means: less consumption of primary raw materials, clear measures to avoid waste and increased investment in biodiversity. We still have the chance to change course - but we must seize it.