The Council has adopted two regulations to phase down fluorinated gases (F-gases) and other substances that cause global warming and deplete the ozone layer. While existing EU legislation has already limited the use of these gases and substances significantly, the new rules will further reduce their emissions into the atmosphere and contribute to limiting global […]
The European Parliament on Tuesday approved new measures to minimise emissions of several greenhouse gases
With 457 votes in favour, 92 against and 32 abstentions, MEPs endorsed a deal reached with the Council to further cut emissions from fluorinated gases. The text foresees a total phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 2050, including a trajectory to reduce the EU consumption quota between 2024-2049. It introduces strict requirements that prohibit placing on the […]
Three European companies to help clean up our oceans from microplastics with help from space
Each of the CASSINI Prize for digital space applications winning applications leverages data and services from the EU Space Programme to detect, monitor and remove plastics and other litter from our oceans, waterways, beaches and coastal areas. CASSINI is the European Commission’s initiative to support entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs developing innovative applications and services that […]
EU position for COP28
World leaders will gather in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for the world climate action summit to kick off the 28th United Nations climate change conference (COP28). From 30 November to 12 December, COP28 will bring together the parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). These include the EU and all EU member states. […]
Lecturer of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences in New Zealand
Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Lecturer to join the Human Geography and Development Studies team in the Te Kura Tātai Whenua – School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences (SGEES). We are looking for colleagues who are excellent team members, and whose teaching, research, and engagement interests both complement and extend those […]
European Commission funds 171 new LIFE environment and climate projects
The European Commission has today approved 171 new projects across Europe under the LIFE Programme for environment and climate action, worth more than €396 million. Thanks to the programme’s co-funding requirements, it will mobilise a total investment of more than €722 million, which represents a 28,5 % increase compared to last year. Projects from almost all EU countries will benefit from […]
Commission adopts new proposal on combining transport modes for more sustainable freight
The proposal on combined transport aims to make freight transport more sustainable by improving the competitiveness of intermodal freight – the transportation of goods using two or more transport modes – vis-à-vis road-only transport. The proposal updates the current Combined Transport Directive and completes the Greening Freight Package, the bulk of which was adopted in July 2023. The package will […]
EU’s greenhouse gas emissions dropped last year, but accelerated efforts still needed to meet ambitious 2030 targets
Greenhouse gas emissions dropped by two percent last year across the European Union, compared to 2021 levels according to estimates in the latest European Environment Agency (EEA) ‘Trends and Projections’ report published on last 24th October. However, despite gains made in emissions reductions, renewable energy and energy efficiency, the report cautions that accelerated action is […]
According to the European Environment Agency, more action needed to reduce effects of chemical pesticides in the EU
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 […]