New EEA briefing on first state of play on national surveillance for heat-related health impacts

Collecting timely and reliable data on the number of deaths and illnesses associated with heat are vital to deploy targeted emergency responses during heatwaves. Twenty of the European Environment Agency’s (EEA) 38 member and cooperating countries currently monitor heat impacts on health, according to an EEA briefing published this week.   Impacts of heat on … Continue reading New EEA briefing on first state of play on national surveillance for heat-related health impacts

“The EIB has integrated the energy efficiency first principle into its Energy Lending Policy”

In 2023, the European Investment Bank provided more than €21.3 billion for energy-related projects, of which €8.3 billion was for energy efficiency, jumping from €2.1 billion in 2014 – but the energy-efficiency gap remains challenging. Christoph Schwaiger writes on the Euractiv website how the EIB is taking lending in energy efficiency seriously.   EIB sees … Continue reading “The EIB has integrated the energy efficiency first principle into its Energy Lending Policy”

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

New EEA report on reducing chronic respiratory disease in Europe

Chronic respiratory disease is one of the leading causes of death in Europe, and more than a third of these deaths are estimated to be caused by environmental factors that are preventable. According to a European Environment Agency (EEA) report, published this week, key interventions include reducing pollution, energy poverty, and occupational exposures.   Tackling … Continue reading New EEA report on reducing chronic respiratory disease in Europe

New IN-PLAN Practice to empower local and regional authorities to revolutionise their sustainable energy, climate, and spatial planning

The IN-PLAN project team this week has launched IN-PLAN Practice, an innovative and long-lasting support structure designed to assist local and regional authorities across Europe in effectively implementing their sustainable energy, climate, and spatial plans. Developed as part of a collaborative effort co-funded by the LIFE programme of the European Union, the IN-PLAN Practice aims … Continue reading New IN-PLAN Practice to empower local and regional authorities to revolutionise their sustainable energy, climate, and spatial planning

EC’s European Energy Efficiency Financing Coalition takes shape

Jov Onsat writes on the Rigzone website about the financial institutions that have joined the EEEFC that was launched earlier this year.   European Commission Welcomes First Banks in Energy Efficiency Alliance The European Energy Efficiency Financing Coalition has signed 49 private and public financial institutions including some of the biggest banks in Europe as … Continue reading EC’s European Energy Efficiency Financing Coalition takes shape

New EEA report on ensuring justice in sustainability transitions in Europe

As Europe strives to lower greenhouse gas emissions and decouple economic growth from resource consumption, various social groups and regions face unequal challenges. According to a report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) published this week, ensuring justice in sustainability transitions requires combining corrective measures to address potentially regressive social consequences of the green transition … Continue reading New EEA report on ensuring justice in sustainability transitions in Europe

New EEA report showing in 2023 that EU total net GHG emissions decreased to 37% below 1990 levels according to preliminary figures

Total net greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union dropped by 8% last year, marking significant progress towards climate neutrality for the EU. The huge drop was led by a significant decline in coal use and growth of renewable energy sources and supported by reduced energy consumption across Europe, according to estimated figures included in … Continue reading New EEA report showing in 2023 that EU total net GHG emissions decreased to 37% below 1990 levels according to preliminary figures

New EEA briefing on biodiversity-friendly farming practices in Europe

Scaling up biodiversity-friendly farming practices can help to build sustainability and resilience in the farming sector, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing published this week.   Biodiversity-friendly farming practices can help build sustainable, resilient agriculture The new EEA briefing 'Solutions for restoring Europe's agricultural ecosystems' presents evidence-based examples of key options available to … Continue reading New EEA briefing on biodiversity-friendly farming practices in Europe

New EEA assessment on Europe’s water resilience

Pollution, habitat degradation, impacts of climate change, and the over-use of freshwater resources are putting pressure on Europe’s lakes, rivers, coastal waters and groundwaters like never before. According to the largest assessment on the health of Europe’s water bodies, published this week by the European Environment Agency (EEA), Europe is not on track to meet … Continue reading New EEA assessment on Europe’s water resilience