Emissions from planes and ships are increasing, while the EU wants to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Read about EU measures to reduce their emissions Despite only accounting for about 8 % of the EU’s total emissions, emissions from aviation and shipping are increasing. In an effort to cut the EU’s total emissions 55 % […]
How is plastic recycled?
Glass can be melted, paper can be mulched. But what happens to your plastic waste after the recycling bin is collected? Our expert Barbara Morico from NextChem in Italy explains. Plastic has long been the bête noire of environmentalists. It is destined, we’re told, to remain in landfill for millennia, or choke the life out […]
Circular economy: Commission proposes new consumer rights and ban on greenwashing
The Commission proposes to update EU consumer protection rules to empower consumers for the green transition. The updated rules will ensure that consumers can make informed and environmentally friendly choices when buying products. Consumers will have the right to know how long a product is intended to last and, where appropriate, how it can be […]
March 22: World Water Day
The latest indicatory assessment published by the European Environment Agency shows water abstraction and economic growth in the EU decoupling over the period 2000–2017. Total water abstraction declined by 17 %, while total gross value added generated from all economic sectors increased by 59 %. However, water scarcity conditions and drought events continue to cause significant risks in southern […]
European Parliament visits to Spain: good economic practices and environmental degradation
A delegation from the European Parliament visits Madrid to learn about best practices in Spanish social economy enterprises. A delegation from the European Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee will travel to Spain from February 21 to 23 to analyze good practices in social economy enterprises and the development of the European Commission’s Action Plan […]
Leading EU initiatives to preserve the oceans
The Commission presented on February 11 ambitious initiatives to promote a cleaner, healthier and safer ocean as part of the EU’s contribution to the One Ocean Summit hosted by France in Brest, demonstrating the EU’s leadership role in providing a global response to ocean challenges. Speaking at the Summit, President Von der Leyen announced three […]
February infringements package: key decisions related to Spain and Environmental matters
In its regular package of infringement decisions, the European Commission pursues legal action against Member States for failing to comply with their obligations under EU law. These decisions, covering various sectors and EU policy areas, aim to ensure the proper application of EU law for the benefit of citizens and businesses. The key decisions taken […]
CO2 the culprit in southern hemisphere temperature drop millions of years ago
Research into ancient climates suggests that a drop in atmospheric CO2 caused cooling temperatures in south-east Australia 41 to 33 million years ago. Our planet is warming and its atmosphere is changing, but what impact will these changes have on its different ecosystems? To find answers, some scientists have been investigating climates from millions of […]
European Green Deal: Commission proposes to strengthen the protection of the environment through criminal law
The Commission has adopted a proposal for a new EU Directive to crack down on environmental crime, fulfilling a key commitment of the European Green Deal. The proposal intends to make protection of the environment more effective by obliging Member States to take criminal law measures. It defines new environmental crimes, sets a minimum level […]