New EEA report on benefits from climate-friendly practices for sourcing raw materials

Climate-friendly practices for sourcing raw materials hold significant potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions in Europe and globally. According to a European Environment Agency (EEA) report, published this week, focusing on raw material extraction and processing, raw material consumers can use their purchasing power to influence suppliers to become more climate friendly. Including sourcing requirements … Continue reading New EEA report on benefits from climate-friendly practices for sourcing raw materials

New EEA briefing on applying circular economy principles in the renewable energy sector to address waste and resource challenges

A rapid transition to renewable energy is necessary if Europe is to achieve its climate objectives. Developing the infrastructure to enable this change will require substantial resources and generate large volumes of waste as equipment reaches the end of its service life. Applying circular economy principles in this sector provides a win-win approach to address … Continue reading New EEA briefing on applying circular economy principles in the renewable energy sector to address waste and resource challenges

European Green Deal to help get Cyprus back on a sustainable path

The Financial Mirror in Cyprus writes about the benefits that Cyprus will receive because of the European Green Deal together with the Recovery and Resilience Facility.   Green recovery meets energy efficiency Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s ambitious recovery and resilience plan are doable, unlike many ideas, strategies and declarations churned out from Brussels … Continue reading European Green Deal to help get Cyprus back on a sustainable path

New analysis by European Environmental Bureau – EU governments keep fueling dirty heating

New analysis shows that 16 out of 27 member states are still financing fossil fuel heating, despite calls to phase out gas boilers by 2025 to achieve EU climate neutrality goals. These dirty subsidies cripple the deployment of clean heating technologies such as heat pumps and solar thermal devices. This year, only seven countries – Croatia, … Continue reading New analysis by European Environmental Bureau – EU governments keep fueling dirty heating

Are we fit for 55?

We have all been figuring out how to meet our Paris climate commitments. The European Union has been ramping up its level of ambition as well as the means to achieving those targets. This week the European Commission adopted a package of proposals to make the EU's climate, energy, land use, transport and taxation policies … Continue reading Are we fit for 55?

German car manufacturers fined $1 billion over emission collusion in EU

A recent news article on the Kleanindustries website discusses a fine imposed by the European Commission on major German car manufacturers on holding back the use of technical developments, not a more traditional practice like price fixing.   EU fines German car makers $1B over emission collusion The European Union handed down $1 billion in … Continue reading German car manufacturers fined $1 billion over emission collusion in EU

A policy paper for fossil-free districts and cities from Energy Cities now available

A new report by Energy Cities details the key drivers and solutions to ensure that cities can deliver heat planning if required and drive the transition toward a fossil-free future. Good practices that cities are already implementing to phase out natural gas are also showcased.   Why and how fossil fuels in buildings will be … Continue reading A policy paper for fossil-free districts and cities from Energy Cities now available

The EC’s “Fit for 55” out soon: here’s what to anticipate

The European Commission will table a package of energy and climate laws on July 14th aimed at reaching the EU’s 2030 goal of cutting emissions by 55%, and putting it on track to hit net zero by 2050. Kira Taylor and Sean Goulding Carroll write on the EURACTIV website to give you the lowdown on … Continue reading The EC’s “Fit for 55” out soon: here’s what to anticipate

From the EEA: waste generation and decoupling in Europe

Between 2010 and 2018, total waste generation increased by 5% (114 million tonnes) in the EU-27 according to the European Environment Agency (EEA). When major mineral wastes are excluded from the total, it increased by 7% (50.3 million tonnes). This means that the EU-27 is not on track to meet its policy goal of reducing … Continue reading From the EEA: waste generation and decoupling in Europe

New data from EEA on emissions of newly registered passenger cars and vans in Europe in 2020

The European Environment Agency (EEA) has published its provisional data about the emissions of newly registered passenger cars and vans in Europe in 2020. For cars, the data show a 12 % decrease in average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, compared with 2019. Average van emissions also decreased slightly, by about 1.5 %.   Sharp decrease … Continue reading New data from EEA on emissions of newly registered passenger cars and vans in Europe in 2020