“The focus of the meeting was ecological industrial policy, and discussions led to the conclusion that the availability of affordable labour is no longer the problem, but rather natural resources, which have already become the determining factor in a number of branches of industry,” explains Allan Gromov, Deputy Secretary-General at the Ministry of the Environment. The importance of natural resources such as metal ores, oil and fresh water is set to grow further, and this could even lead to international conflict. “Which is why environmental and economic policies should be closely interwoven,” says Gromov. The energy issue is being thrown in ever sharper contrast around the world, as the resources that are currently being used are limited. New energy sources and technology must be found, their adoption launching a third industrial revolution. “One of the most important sources of energy in the future will be hydrogen, and hydrogen technology will play a crucial role,” Gromov predicts. On a positive note, the ministers highlighted the fact that the environmental technology market is larger than first thought and growing more quickly than traditional branches of industry. The European Union currently enjoys a very good place in the world in the field of environmental industry, but the problem it faces is the fragmented nature of companies and the focus on internal markets. Its position may be threatened if other countries, such as the United States, Japan and Australia, implement national programmes that aid the significantly more rapid development and adoption of technologies that are economical in terms of both the environment and natural resources. As a result, EU companies will need to become more international and form networks for product development and the opening-up of markets if they are to remain competitive. The role of governments would be to establish ambitious environmental standards that were based on the best available technology and that also used economic instruments; that would stimulate demand (through environmentally friendly state tenders, for example); and that would support company growth, scientific research and innovation. “Work is also being done in Estonia towards implementing ecological tax reforms and green state tenders,” Gromov explains. The members of the Estonian delegation at the meeting were the Ministry of the Environment’s Secretary-General Annika Uudelepp, Deputy Secretary-General Allan Gromov, and chief specialist with the International Cooperation Department, Kärt Merilain. All of the participants were taken on an excursion to the environmental technology trade fair EcoTech and introduced to the latest ecological solutions. For further information please contact: Agnes Jürgens |
