The aviation transport sector is growing fast and air traffic is expected, at current rates, to double its volume during the next 25-30 years. This would lead to aviation generating in excess of 10% of the global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Challenge Novel concepts and solutions aimed at enhancing the capability of airports communities […]
A simpler solution to stop the death of bees
The EU-funded WarmHive project is using thermotherapy to fight the disease responsible for large losses in honeybee populations. About the mite Honeybee populations around the world are experiencing massive losses. This is primarily the result of varroosis, a disease caused by the varroa mite that, if it doesn’t kill the bee directly, causes other diseases […]
2018 broke the record with the largest number of countries affected by forest fires
The Joint Research Center published the 2018 edition of its Annual Report on Forest Fires in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. According to this report, wildfires destroyed nearly 178,000 hectares (ha) of forests and land in the EU last year. Results The highest numbers of fires of 30 ha or larger were mapped by […]
Keys to tackle Europe’s waste problem and foster a more circular economy
Improved circular and climate-friendly business models and policies to boost reuse and recycling, plus improved consumer awareness will help the European Union tackle the growing problem posed by plastic, battery, electronic and textile waste, according to the European Environment Agency (EEA). Approach European Union Member States face a dilemma on how to deal with the […]
H2020: Secure, clean and efficient energy: Market Uptake support
in June 2018 member states agreed to set an overall EU renewable energy target of 32% by 2030. Challenges exist for renewable energy to realise its full potential in all sectors and accelerate the clean energy transition. Specific Challenge The introduction and deployment of renewable energy at large scale requires overcoming a number of barriers. […]
The European Union, Iceland and Norway agree to strengthen their cooperation in climate action
Climate change is a global threat and demands global action: the more countries join forces, the bigger the chances we can master this major challenge of our generation. The European Union, Iceland and Norway today agreed to extend their cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. […]
EU makes 22 new commitments for clean, healthy and safe oceans
The European Union announced 22 new commitments at the 2019 edition of Our Ocean conference, in Oslo, Norway on 23-24 October 2019, for better governance of the oceans. In addition, the EU is also launching ‘The Ocean Tracker’, an interactive map to follow the over 10 billion euros commitments already made by governments, businesses and NGOs. […]
New challenges facing Europe’s waste water treatment plants present opportunities for improving sustainability
More investment is needed to make urban waste water treatment plants fit to meet the difficult challenges posed by the impacts of climate change, as well as the presence of antibiotics and other micro-pollutants in waste water, according to the European Environment Agency (EEA). Current challenges Much has already been done in recent decades to […]
#EUBeachCleanUp: EU organises record number of cleaning actions worldwide
On beaches across Europe and the world, EU staff are joining hands with local communities to clean up marine litter as part of the #EUBeachCleanUp campaign. Launched on 19 August, this year’s campaign will run through October, culminating on Saturday 21 September, the International Coastal CleanUp Day, with actions taking place in over 80 countries, […]