New EEA briefing on risk of human exposure to harmful toxins coming from rising temperatures due to climate change

Rising temperatures due to climate change are increasing the risk of human exposure to so-called mycotoxins, naturally occurring toxins produced by fungi found in certain foods, feed and crops according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing published this week. These toxins can harm health and preventing the rise of contamination requires joined-up action on … Continue reading New EEA briefing on risk of human exposure to harmful toxins coming from rising temperatures due to climate change

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

Energy in Demand News, February 23-24, 2025

It is welcome news that, as of last week, the Baltic States joined the European continental electricity grid after fully disconnecting from Russian and Belarussian networks. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania successfully integrated into the EU internal energy market by joining the European continental network via Poland. According to a Commission press release, “The success of … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, February 23-24, 2025

New EEA monitoring report on Europe’s climate, environment and sustainability objectives

Despite steady progress in key areas, the European Union is only partially on track to achieve the EU’s 2030 climate, environment and sustainability objectives, according to the latest monitoring report published this week by the European Environment Agency (EEA). More decisive measures are needed to boost a circular economy, reverse the declining trend in biodiversity … Continue reading New EEA monitoring report on Europe’s climate, environment and sustainability objectives

How climate change could upend the American dream

Americans have long accumulated wealth by owning their homes, but a new study predicts that spiking insurance rates and climate disasters now herald an era of widespread losses. Andrea Riquier discusses the new study in an article on the USA TODAY website   Climate risk will take trillion-dollar bite out of America’s real estate As … Continue reading How climate change could upend the American dream

Trump’s decision to turn his back on climate change policy is a direct challenge to his own economic agenda

In an article on The Conversation website, Thomas Stuart, Lecturer in Communications, Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria writes about the impact from the Trump Administration’s reversal of green initiatives. What are your views? Trump’s reversal of climate policies risks undermining U.S. manufacturing — and could cost people jobs United States President Donald Trump’s … Continue reading Trump’s decision to turn his back on climate change policy is a direct challenge to his own economic agenda

Blog by Yamina Saheb – Sufficiency: where philosophy meets science

“Sufficiency is a set of policy measures and daily practices which avoid the demand for energy, materials, land, water, and other natural resources while delivering well-being for all within planetary boundaries.” In an era of escalating geopolitical and ecological crises, sufficiency offers a pathway to a more balanced and harmonious existence, enriched by the moral … Continue reading Blog by Yamina Saheb – Sufficiency: where philosophy meets science

New EEA report on progress towards greater sustainability of Europe’s maritime sector

Europe’s maritime sector is making progress towards greater sustainability but will need to increase its efforts over the coming years to meet EU climate and environment goals aimed at reducing energy use, pollution, and GHG emissions as well as better protecting biodiversity. That is according to the second edition of the European Maritime Transport Environmental … Continue reading New EEA report on progress towards greater sustainability of Europe’s maritime sector

Energy in Demand News, February 2, 2025

Who would have guessed? Norway’s coalition government has collapsed because of the EU’s energy efficiency directive, energy performance of buildings directive and renewable energy directive! The Eurosceptic junior coalition partner quit after the Prime Minister pushed to implement the energy directives.  Norway (which is not a member of the European Union) adopts most of the … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, February 2, 2025

The shift to renewable energy in Africa must be a just transition

In an article on The Conversation website, Oyeniyi Abe, Research partner: Centre for Comparative Law, University of Cape Town and Victor Azubike, Assistant Professor in Law, University of Huddersfield discuss that the justice dimension must be included in energy policies in African countries. Readers should note that the New York Times (behind a paywall) reports … Continue reading The shift to renewable energy in Africa must be a just transition