When Mark Twain said, “the two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why,” he did not mention Black Friday. Although, if your social media feed, TV ad breaks, and the streets of your city are anything to go by, perhaps he should have… This November, we once again find ourselves swallowed into an industry-driven frenzy where we are encouraged to fully give into a consumerist fever, without reflection or remorse.
☠️️ BLACK FRIDAY
PITCH BLACK — Originally conceived in the United States as a strategy to clear out stock and boost revenue before Christmas, Black Friday has since become a global phenomenon, firmly embedded in the business calendars of retailers and corporations worldwide. While it appears to be a day of discounts and deals, Black Friday comes with huge costs, taking a heavy toll on both people and the planet.
On this day thousands of tons of waste are generated, as many products are discarded after only a few uses, while greenhouse gas emissions soar due to the surge in manufacturing and shipping. Meanwhile, the demand for rapid order fulfilment forces workers in these industries to endure punishingly long hours, often at the expense of their labour rights.
A BEAM OF LIGHT — If you want to know more about the tricks brands use to keep us shopping at any cost, we strongly recommend “Buy Now: the Shopping Conspiracy”, a powerful new documentary that delves into the murky world of fast fashion, throwaway tech, early obsolescence, manipulative marketing, and greenwashing.
QUICK, ONLY ONE LEFT! — With humanity consuming resources 75% faster than the planet can replenish, and climate change indicators shattering records amid an escalating wave of disasters, it’s time to question whether we should continue to celebrate a day that is not only causing tremendous harm to both the environment and people, but that perpetuates a model of consumption that only drives us closer and closer to the edge of the cliff. The cost of inaction is too high – after all, there is only one planet earth!
FYI —The most sustainable purchase is always the one you don’t make. But when buying something new is unavoidable, the EU Ecolabel can be your guide to greener choices. From textiles and shoes to electronics and more, it ensures the highest environmental standards at a competitive price.
🫧 IN THE BRUSSELS BUBBLE
FINALLY… This Wednesday, we received the big news: UVD’s College of Commissioners secured its final approval from a narrow majority of MEPs. With 370 votes in favour, 282 against, and 36 abstentions, this Commission received the lowest level of parliamentary backing since 1993 – the year the European Parliament gained the power to vote on the executive and closing the process that began with the European Elections last June.
THE FLOOR IS YOURS — As the world faces the triple crisis of climate breakdown, biodiversity loss, and rampant pollution, and with turbulent times ahead across the Atlantic, the Union has a unique opportunity to step up and drive bold, united action. A pro-EU majority in Parliament has paved the way for the new Commission to act, and now it’s time to move beyond political rhetoric and translate promises into actions. The EU has the chance to emerge as the front-runner for environmental justice, economic resilience, and social well-being.
READY WHEN YOU ARE — The Commission’s renewed commitment to strengthening civil society’s voice, as outlined in Commissioner McGrath’s mission letter, highlights the vital role of civil society organisations in shaping European democracy. As the bridge between policymakers and citizens, CSOs are instrumental in ensuring transparency and addressing challenges like the climate crisis and inequality. Without the active involvement of CSOs, the EU will lose the trust and connection with the very people it is meant to serve. The EEB looks forward to collaborating closely with the Commission to ensure that CSOs have the support and platform they need to empower citizens and co-create the solutions to our shared future demands.
As the new Commission begins its work next week,we urge it to prioritise addressing the triple planetary crises. The omission of pollution—a key driver of these crises—from the Commission’s mission letters is deeply concerning. This oversight is particularly striking given its prioritisation in the Strategic Agenda set by EU Heads of State and Government. The Commission must align with the ambitions of European leaders, recognising EU standards on pollution, biodiversity, and climate not as obstacles but as essential solutions.
CHECK YOUR MAIL— As ministers from the 27 Member States gathered in Brussels this week to discuss the future of EU competitiveness, we delivered a clear message in our letter: the cost of environmental inaction is far too high. Tackling the challenges posed by the climate, biodiversity, and pollution crises must be central to any conversation about the bloc’s competitiveness. After all, there can be no economy—and no competitiveness—on a dead planet.
🙅 COP29
BAD COP —This year’s UN Climate Change Conference failed to deliver meaningful progress, ignoring the urgent needs of the most affected countries. The summit delivered an inadequate outcome that perpetuates existing inequalities and undermines the fight against the climate crisis. This injustice threatens the Global South’s path to a just and green transition, climate adaptation, and holds the Global North unaccountable for its historical climate responsibility.
VERY BAD COP — The Conference also failed to deliver significant climate action, with last-minute decisions and an undemocratic process silencing vulnerable voices, while lobbyists and an authoritarian host regime influenced outcomes.
The inadequate $300 billion annual finance goal falls far short of the $1.3 trillion demanded by Global South countries, leaving critical adaptation and mitigation needs unmet, and the exclusion of loss and damage finance exposes the refusal of high-income nations to take accountability for their emissions.
THE HORRORS PERSIST, BUT SO DO WE — Despite the disappointing outcomes of COP29, the fight for climate justice must continue and moments like these are a reminder of the urgent need to amplify the voices of vulnerable communities, demand accountability from high-emission nations, and push for systemic change in global climate governance. Civil society, scientists and progressive forces stand together to move towards a sustainable future for people and the planet.
DIE DEUTSCHE ECKE — For the German speakers out there, our Deputy Secretary General, Patrizia Heidegger, was invited this week to the German edition of the Euronews show, Brussels My Love?, where she joined a debate breaking down COP29, the need to phase out fossil fuels, and more. Watch it here!
🏗️ STEELMAKERS’ BLACKMAIL
UNACCEPTABLE TACTICS — Europe’s largest steelmaker, ArcelorMittal, announced yet another delay to its decarbonisation plans. Despite pledging to transition away from coal and securing €3 billion in taxpayer money to do so, the steel giant has frozen its renewables-based DRI (direct reduced iron) projects in Spain, France, Belgium, and Germany.
COMPETE ≠ POLLUTE — Once again, major polluters are demanding weaker regulations and even more public money under the guise of competitiveness. Without clear commitments in return, this is nothing short of blackmailing. ArcelorMittal isn’t just holding EU climate targets hostage, but ignoring the health of communities living near its outdated and polluting steel plants.
DELAYS WE CAN’T AFFORD — The EU and Member States must not bow to pressure from transition laggards. Other steelmakers, like SHS, Salzgitter, and Stegra, are proving the transition out of coal is possible. Investing in green steel production today positions Europe as a leader in the global market, while allowing big players like ArcelorMittal to backtrack risks losing critical momentum. See our press release.
🚀 FOLLOW US
Don’t stay delulu, deal with the pollulu. This year, our digital community has skyrocketed! We’ve joined Bluesky, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts—and have already gone viral several times. Plus, we just hit a huge milestone: 50.000 followers on LinkedIn!
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By: Roi Gomez. Special thanks to the EEB’s editorial team: Ben Snelson, Ruby Silk, Christian Skrivervik and Annick Hus Editor: Alberto Vela
