Wild pollinators are declining in occurrence and diversity in the EU and numerous species are threatened with extinction. Specific Challenge This is a serious cause for concern because pollinators are an integral part of healthy ecosystems, where they play a central role in the maintenance of ecosystem functioning. Without them, many plant species would decline […]
EU ecodesign and energy labels improving energy efficiency
EU action on ecodesign and energy labelling has contributed to greater energy efficiency, according to a new report from the European Court of Auditors. The regulatory process was significantly delayed, creating a situation in which the impact of the policy risked being overestimated. In addition, non-compliance with the regulation by manufacturers and retailers remains a significant issue, […]
The EIB will finance Grupo Ruiz to renew its most polluting buses
The EIB support will enable Grupo Ruiz to replace more polluting diesel buses with 32 electric and 141 compressed natural gas alternatives. The new vehicles will provide public transport services in Madrid, Majorca, Badajoz, Toledo, Salamanca and Murcia, covering both urban and intercity lines. This services will enter service over the next two years and […]
The European Parliament reiterates the need to protect pollinating insects
MEPs want to stop the decline of bees and other insect pollinators in the EU and are calling for more measures to protect the diversity of pollinator species. With pollinator populations declining in Europe and other parts of the world, the European Parliament has repeatedly called on the European Commission to propose more measures to better protect […]
Cleaner Air in 2020: 0.5% sulphur cap for ships enters into force worldwide
From 1 January 2020, the maximum sulphur content of marine fuels is reduced to 0.5% (down from 3.5%) globally – reducing air pollution and protecting health and the environment. Sulphur Oxide (SOx) emissions from ships’ combustion engines cause acid rain and generate fine dust that can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as […]
Marine pollution: Thousands of serious offences exposed in global operation
A global law enforcement operation involving 61 countries has identified thousands of illicit activities behind severe marine pollution as well as hundreds of violations and exposed serious cases of contamination worldwide. Codenamed 30 Days at Sea 2.0, the month-long (1-31 October) operation gathered more than 200 enforcement authorities worldwide for concerted action across all continents. Scope and […]
The European Green Deal sets out how to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050
The European Commission has presented The European Green Deal – a roadmap for making the EU’s economy sustainable by turning climate and environmental challenges into opportunities across all policy areas and making the transition just and inclusive for all. The European Green Deal provides a roadmap with actions to boost the efficient use of resources by moving to a clean, circular […]
The climate change, the first priority for Europeans
Combating climate change should be Parliament’s top priority, new Eurobarometer reveals, highlighting youth-led climate protests as great influencers. Eurobarometer “Combating climate change and preserving our environment, oceans and biodiversity” should be the European Parliament’s (EP) biggest priority, EU citizens say in a new Eurobarometer survey commissioned by the EP and conducted in October 2019, and […]
How to improve air quality by controlling traffic
Concentrations of the harmful NO2 pollutant across 30 major European cities could be reduced by up to 40% with the right traffic policy measures, according to JRC scientists. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), air pollution is the single largest environmental health risk in Europe. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) alone was responsible for 68,000 premature […]