The European Commission has outlined possible “transition pathways” to address the environmental impact of the construction sector

Europe’s construction ecosystem employs approximately 24.9 million people but it is also extremely fragmented with 99.9% of the companies being SMEs. Nikolaus J. Kurmayer discusses on the EURACTIV website the plans of the European Commission to transform the sector and that digitalisation could be the silver bullet to address all the problems – lack of … Continue reading The European Commission has outlined possible “transition pathways” to address the environmental impact of the construction sector →

New EEA report assesses the state of national adaptation actions in 2021

EU Member States recognise the importance of adapting to impacts of heatwaves, droughts, floods, heavy precipitation and changing temperatures and of mainstreaming climate change adaptation to a wide range of affected areas like agriculture, or water and disaster risk management. These are key findings of a European Environment Agency (EEA) report published this week which … Continue reading New EEA report assesses the state of national adaptation actions in 2021 →

New EEA and EC reports on zero pollution monitoring

This week, the European Commission published its first Zero Pollution Monitoring and Outlook report setting pathways to cleaner air, water and soil. The Commission report, together with the European Environment Agency's monitoring assessment, shows that EU policies have contributed to reducing air pollution as well as pollution from pesticides. However, in other areas such as … Continue reading New EEA and EC reports on zero pollution monitoring →

New EEA briefing on methane emissions in the EU

While emissions of methane across the European Union have decreased over past years, the overall reduction in emissions needs to accelerate to meet 2030 and 2050 EU climate objectives. Increased global efforts to reduce methane emissions would also be needed to mitigate global warming in the short term, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) … Continue reading New EEA briefing on methane emissions in the EU →

New EEA publication on Europe’s commitments for sustainability and energy system from the perspective multiple, interconnected crises

The European Environment Agency’s (EEA) assessments have shown that Europe and world face unprecedented environment and climate challenges that require ambitious policy responses, such as the European Green Deal. Published recently, EEA Signals 2022 looks at Europe’s commitments for sustainability and energy system from the perspective multiple, interconnected crises. Moving towards sustainability in times … Continue reading New EEA publication on Europe’s commitments for sustainability and energy system from the perspective multiple, interconnected crises →

EU planning major reform of its anti-pollution legislation

As part of a major reform of the EU’s anti-pollution legislation, the European Commission said it planned to tighten air quality standards, including on one of the most dangerous pollutants, fine particulate matter. Jennifer Rankin discusses latest developments in an article on The Guardian website. EU plans tighter controls on pollution as doctors call … Continue reading EU planning major reform of its anti-pollution legislation →

New EEA report on progress in EU reducing GHG emissions and energy consumption

GHG emissions and energy consumption rose in 2021 due mostly to Europe’s post-pandemic recovery, according to the latest ‘Trends and Projections’ report published this week by the European Environment Agency (EEA). Most EU Member States successfully achieved the EU’s 2020 climate and energy targets and are now turning their sights toward climate neutrality while also … Continue reading New EEA report on progress in EU reducing GHG emissions and energy consumption →

The transition to “smart cities”

Europe is making good progress in getting urban areas into the digital age. A survey in 10 EU member states found that 88% of cities have started their digital transformation and that 69% were planning to invest in tech solutions in the next three years. Molly Killeen discusses latest developments in an article on the … Continue reading The transition to “smart cities” →

Scaling up private and public investment is crucial in financing the zero-carbon transition

Ian Thomson, Director of the Centre for Responsible Business, University of Birmingham writes on The Conversation website about how investments can be directed to have the most decisive impacts. What are your views? Financing the transition to net-zero – here’s how the EU will advise investors where to put their money Ahead of next … Continue reading Scaling up private and public investment is crucial in financing the zero-carbon transition →

Germany concedes move to cap gas prices as EU wrestles with energy crisis

European Council President Charles Michel said EU leaders agreed to cooperate on energy after a long day of talks. However, a consensus was not reached on capping gas prices. A news item on the Deutsche Welle website presents latest developments. EU leaders agree to combat rising energy prices European Council President Charles Michel said early … Continue reading Germany concedes move to cap gas prices as EU wrestles with energy crisis →