There is progress towards meeting 2030 zero-pollution targets in Europe but pollution levels remain too high

This week, the European Commission and the European Environment Agency (EEA) published the second Zero Pollution Monitoring and Outlook report, which provides an overview of the EU’s work to meet the 2030 zero pollution targets. The Commission also published today its fourth Clean Air Outlook report. The reports show that EU policies have contributed to … Continue reading There is progress towards meeting 2030 zero-pollution targets in Europe but pollution levels remain too high →

A Clean Industrial Deal for competitiveness and decarbonisation in the EU

Wednesday the European Commission presented the Clean Industrial Deal, a bold business plan to support the competitiveness and resilience of Europe’s industry. The Deal will accelerate decarbonisation, while securing the future of manufacturing in Europe. This Deal positions decarbonisation as a powerful driver of growth for European industries. This framework is expected to drive competitiveness as … Continue reading A Clean Industrial Deal for competitiveness and decarbonisation in the EU →

New EEA briefing benefits from extending product lifespans

Extending product lifespans helps reduce demand for new products and their related environmental impacts. This briefing aims to improve our understanding and provide novel insights on trends in product lifespans in Europe. This assessment is based on seven indicators developed specifically for the EEA’s Circularity Metrics Lab’s thematic module on product lifespans. Product lifespans — monitoring trends … Continue reading New EEA briefing benefits from extending product lifespans →

New briefings from the EEA on the status of the circular economy in Europe and highlighting the need for improving recycling quality

Europe has set ambitious goals to create a competitive circular economy that can be key in supporting innovation, decarbonisation and security. The transition is also needed to halt biodiversity loss and wasteful use of natural resources. Published this week, two briefings from the European Environment Agency show the status of circular economy and highlight the … Continue reading New briefings from the EEA on the status of the circular economy in Europe and highlighting the need for improving recycling quality →

New EEA briefing on placement of offshore wind turbines with consideration of impacts on marine ecosystems

Increased use of wind turbines in coastal zones to provide Europe with renewable energy is a crucial element in decarbonising Europe’s economy and in meeting its climate and energy targets. The placement of these turbines should also carefully consider potential impacts on marine ecosystems, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing published this week. … Continue reading New EEA briefing on placement of offshore wind turbines with consideration of impacts on marine ecosystems →

Understanding the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive

In an article on the Green Transition website from Canada, Will Dubitsky gives a good overview of the role and importance of the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. CSRD: EU revolutionizing corporate sustainability accountability and decisions Introduction The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), many years in the making, is revolutionary. CSRD will replace … Continue reading Understanding the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive →

Energy in Demand News, September 22, 2024

Global leaders will gather in New York next week for the UN Summit of the Future, the centrepiece of this year’s launch of the annual United Nations General Assembly. UN Secretary General, António Guterres, will try to persuade world leaders to extend their horizons beyond current wars by adopting a “Pact for the Future,” an … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, September 22, 2024 →

New EEA briefing on the use of “forever chemicals”

Reducing the use of PFAS —known as forever chemicals— in clothing, furniture and other textile products, is important to increase recyclability and the transition to a more circular economy according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing, published this week. Safe and sustainable alternatives could reduce use of PFAS in textiles and enhance reuse … Continue reading New EEA briefing on the use of “forever chemicals” →

New EEA monitoring tool and briefing on plastics circularity

Plastics production and consumption patterns across Europe remain unsustainable and need to be made more circular to reduce waste, pollution, climate change and other negative impacts on the environment according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing published this week. The briefing also highlights the introduction of a new monitoring tool where people, policy makers … Continue reading New EEA monitoring tool and briefing on plastics circularity →

New way to recycle cement from demolished concrete buildings

In an article on the BBC News website, Justin Rowlatt discusses a new way to recycle cement and massively reduce its carbon footprint. What are your views? UK breakthrough could slash emissions from cement Scientists say they've found a way to recycle cement from demolished concrete buildings. Cement is the modern world's most common … Continue reading New way to recycle cement from demolished concrete buildings →