A return to economic growth cannot come at the expense of greater risk of irreversible climate change. Instead, what is required is a reconceptualization of what is intended by 'economic development' and a fundamental transformation of the economy to a new 'green' trajectory, based on rapidly diminishing emission of greenhouse gases. This entails a much greater emphasis on innovation in all its forms - not just technological.

Innovation policy must be placed at the very heart of industrial policy and indeed of economic policy more broadly. Other parts of the world are also facing varying forms of the triple challenge, and while the governance challenge may not be exactly the same as for Europe and the EU, Europe is uniquely placed to take the lead in addressing the triple challenge. While this may well entail certain costs in the short term, it will undoubtedly bring considerable benefits in the longer term. It should also encourage countries in other parts of the world to follow Europe's lead in this transformation process, thereby ensuring that climate change is kept within manageable bounds. Addressing the triple challenge would thus provide Europe and its citizens with a new sense of purpose, revitalizing the EU and 'the European project' over the decades to come.