In recent discussions surrounding the Clean Industrial Deal, there has been growing recognition of the need to not only prioritize industrial transformation but also integrate social and environmental considerations. This approach is vital for ensuring that the green transition is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable in the long term. While the focus is often on decarbonizing industries and technological innovation, many advocates warn that failing to address social justice and environmental protection in tandem could exacerbate existing inequalities and harm vulnerable communities.

The blogpost, authored by members of the Think Sustainable Europe network, underscores that climate action must go hand-in-hand with social protection measures and environmental safeguards. These concerns are particularly significant given the global nature of supply chains and the critical role industrial sectors play in both local economies and ecosystems. To ensure holistic progress, the Clean Industrial Deal must aim to create a framework where economic growth, social well-being, and environmental sustainability reinforce each other.

The op-ed is co-signed by the Executive Directors of the Think Sustainable Europe network:

• Eero Yrjö-Koskinen, Executive Director of the Institute for European Environmental Policy, Belgium
• Sébastien Treyer, Executive Director of the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations, France
• Nathalie Bernasconi-Osterwalder, Executive Director of the International Institute for Sustainable Development Europe, Switzerland
• Ioli Christopoulou, Co-founder and Policy Coordinator of The Green Tank, Greece
• Vit Dostál, Executive Director of the Association for International Affairs, Czech Republic
• Christoph Heinrich, Director of the Ecologic Institute, Germany
• András Kéri, Executive Director of the Energiaklub Climate Policy Institute, Hungary
• Alexander Müller, Managing Director of the TMG Think Tank for Sustainability, Germany
• Måns Nilsson, Executive Director of the Stockholm Environment Institute, Sweden
• Maria José Sánchez, Scientific Director of the Basque Centre for Climate Change, Spain

The article can be accessed at the Sustainable Views website.