The Various Interests' Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) organised a conference in which it was reached the conclusion that the implementation of a new sustainable development strategy with clear inter-linkages between the social, environmental and economic pillars requires a renewed sense of urgency, ambition, policy coherence and accountability.

The Conference "Think Green! The Opportunities of Sustainable Development and of the Green Economy" held in Brussels and organised by the Various Interests' Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), discussed what is the citizens and civil society role at promoting resource efficiency and long-term sustainable development. Among the conclusions reached at the event it was that, the EU will be able to aspire towards sustainable growth and to reverse environmental degradation only through coordinated action and political commitment at all levels. In April 2012, the Committee of Regions also stressed the need for local and regional authorities to be more involved in sustainable development.

There will be 9 billion people in the world by 2050 who will produce at least 9 billion tonnes of CO2. In 2012, although environmental and consumer concerns are becoming more mainstream, there is still the perception that European current consumption levels and availability of resources will continue indefinitely, according to Luca Jahier, President of the EESC's Various Interests' Group. Mr Jahier also stressed that it is a fact that Europeans cannot continue their lifestyles and production patterns. He added that Europe has unfortunately exported its industrialised economic model to the world.

On the other hand, most of the participants also agreed on the need to de-couple economic growth from resource use, to modernise the energy sectors and to introduce sustainable transport policies for people and goods. The local urban transport in Bielefeld (Germany), waste water in rural areas (Sokoły, Poland), or a green European social housing case were some of the good practices presented at the conference. In addition, they agreed that sustainable and environmental labelling, the exchange of information on good practices, more widespread sustainable consumption patterns, and education programmes are just a few key elements of a much needed "green economy roadmap".