The widespread use of pesticides is a major source of water, soil and air pollution, leading to loss of biodiversity and promoting pest resistance. Human exposure to chemical pesticides is linked to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart, respiratory and neurological diseases. The EEA’s new information note How pesticides impact human health and ecosystems in […]
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Wildfires in 2023: 41 % of the burnt area in the EU within Natura 2000 protected sites
This year’s fire season, which sparked the largest wildfire ever recorded in the EU, has been devastating for humans and the environment. As we are taking stock of this year’s deadly wildfires, some worrying trends emerge. Protected areas appear to have a higher probability of burning than non-protected areas. 41% of areas burnt in the […]
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EU produced 14.7 million bicycles in 2022
In 2022, a total of 14.7 million bicycles were produced in the EU. This figure presents a 10% increase in bicycle production compared to the previous year (2021), and a 29% increase over the course of a decade from 2012 to 2022. El nuevo programa de uso compartido de eBikes de Barcelona utilizará información de posicionamiento […]
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European Commission adopts measures to restrict the use of microplastics
The Commission takes another major step to protect the environment by adopting measures that restrict microplastics intentionally added to products under the EU chemical legislation REACH. The new rules will prevent the release to the environment of about half a million tonnes of microplastics. They will prohibit the sale of microplastics as such, and of products to which microplastics have been added […]
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70% of jet fuels at EU airports will have to be green by 2050
On Wednesday, MEPs approved a new law to increase the uptake of sustainable fuels, such as advanced biofuels or hydrogen, in the aviation sector. The RefuelEU aviation rules are part of the “Fit for 55 package”, the EU’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and to […]
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European Parliament back plans to boost use of renewable energy
Parliament on Tuesday voted to boost the deployment of renewable energy, in line with the Green Deal and REPowerEU plans. The update of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED), already agreed upon between MEPs and Council, raises the share of renewables in the EU’s final energy consumption to 42.5% by 2030. Member states should strive to […]
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The EU-backed FIRE-RES project is joining the battle against Europe’s forest fires with its new platform and app.
Wildfires are becoming a major threat worldwide. In Europe alone, they are responsible for around 85 % of annual burned areas. To help address this problem, the EU-funded FIRE-RES project is developing an integrated fire management strategy that will focus on fire prevention and preparedness, detection and response, and restoration and adaptation. As part of […]
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Preventing groundwater and surface waters pollution in the EU
Clean water is essential for humans and healthy ecosystems. Find out what the EU and European Parliament are doing to safeguard it. According to the European Environment Agency, water pollution in the EU decreased between the 1990s and 2010s. However, progress has slowed with pollution in 58% of surface water since 2016. In addition, only […]
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What is the European Union doing to reduce air pollution?
Poor air quality can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer. But its devastating effects also extend to biodiversity, as it poisons crops and forests, causing significant economic losses. As part of the zero pollution ambition set out in the EU’s European Green Deal, the European Parliament has proposed setting stricter air quality standards […]
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