In recent years, Luxembourg has developed a number of strategies and plans to promote a climate-friendly living environment in the Grand Duchy. The Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (PNEC), the Climate Act, the strategy for adapting to the effects of climate change, the long-term national climate action strategy and many other measures determine the line to be followed to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. These plans, laws and strategies affect all areas of life and work, such as housing, mobility, energy, agriculture and so on.
Politicians, specialists in the field and citizens have all contributed, and together we are continuing our efforts to ensure that Luxembourg is carbon neutral and resilient by 2050. Some visions have already been put into practice, while others are in the planning stage. The illustrations show some of the measures provided for in current plans, strategies and legislation.
«Back to the roots»: in 2050, the landscape resembles a mosaic of diverse components. The vast cowsheds used for meat and milk production and the huge maize fields have given way to smaller structures. From monoculture to polyculture: the land is used for a variety of purposes; for example, fruit is grown underneath the photovoltaic installations. Even local hedgerows are being reintroduced as a source of food for people and animals. The many community gardens on the ground and on rooftops in urban areas are also part of the usual scenery, making it possible to grow fresh food even in cities.
In 2050, we will be looking in vain for urban landscapes dominated by large chains. Consumer behaviour has changed, and used goods are once again valuable. Second-hand goods are at the top of the list. All kinds of goods are traded on public shelves and broken appliances are repaired. Cars have long been shared rather than bought. People have become aware of the importance of agriculture and nature: regular trips to the farm to buy regional produce are now a matter of course.
Living close to work is no longer a luxury. In 2050, people will be able to enjoy multifunctional buildings equipped with housing, communal areas, co-working spaces, shops and a cinema. This saves time and improves quality of life. Hours of stress lost in traffic jams getting from A to B are a thing of the past. Living in the heart of nature? It's now possible in the city too. Green facades and neighbourhoods with parks and gardens, even on rooftops, ensure a good climate and provide places to relax. Many superfluous parking spaces have been transformed into green spaces. Old buildings have been raised to prevent further sealing of the ground. And of course, wherever possible, electricity is generated using solar power.
The expansion of the public transport network, with its electric buses and trams, numerous cycle paths and electric bicycles of all kinds, has all but eradicated individual car mobility. Where parking areas once dominated, there are now parks and gardens. The main roads and boulevards of towns and cities, once saturated with traffic, now belong to pedestrians, cyclists and scooters. Priority on expressways is now reserved for passenger-filled, non-polluting vehicles. Another positive effect is that the wildlife crossings blend in even better with the landscape, and have contributed to better protection of species.
Download the Vision 2050 poster
