The European Commission announced it would stick to the objective announced last year of cutting emissions by 90% by 2040, compared to 1990 levels. The Commission proposed that states could count carbon credits purchased to finance projects outside Europe for up to 3% of their emission cuts. An article on the Le Monde discusses the … Continue reading EU 2040 target holds line on climate, but loopholes threaten integrity
Category: EU policies
New EEA assessment on key air pollutant emissions in Europe
Key air pollutant emissions targeted for reductions and monitored under EU legislation continued to decline across most EU Member States, according to the latest data assessment published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) recently. However, reducing ammonia emissions continues to present a bigger challenge. Emissions of key air pollutants targeted for reductions in EU … Continue reading New EEA assessment on key air pollutant emissions in Europe
New EEA report on Europe’s land carbon sinks
Europe’s forests and land are absorbing less carbon than expected, putting the 2030 target for the sector at risk. But with the right policies and measures, the land use and forestry sector could still play a crucial role in climate mitigation, with significant co-benefits for people and nature, according to a new European Environment Agency … Continue reading New EEA report on Europe’s land carbon sinks
New EEA assessment looks at how prepared Europe is to handle extreme weather
With European countries facing another year of damaging heatwaves, drought and other extreme weather events, how prepared and resilient are they to handle these events? A new interactive European Environment Agency (EEA) product published this week looks at key climate change impacts and adaptation and preparedness actions. Extreme weather in a changing climate: Is … Continue reading New EEA assessment looks at how prepared Europe is to handle extreme weather
New EEA report on renewable electricity in Europe’s energy transition
Scaling up renewable electricity sources across the EU could reduce electricity generation costs, improve energy independence, and support the transition towards clean industry, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) report published this week. At the same time, accelerating the electrification of heating, transport and industry is needed to support Europe’s clean and competitive future. … Continue reading New EEA report on renewable electricity in Europe’s energy transition
New EEA report on noise pollution in Europe
Just over 110 million people, or more than 20% of Europeans, are exposed to high levels of transport noise that exceed thresholds set under EU reporting rules and which harm our health, the environment and the economy, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) report on noise pollution published this week. The report calls for … Continue reading New EEA report on noise pollution in Europe
New EEA briefing on protecting and restoring Europe’s wild pollinators
Wild pollinators are crucial for our food production and ecosystems, yet they are under threat. To tackle the causes of their decline and secure their habitats, we need actions across economic sectors, governance levels, and society. Monitoring the diversity and abundance of wild pollinators is indispensable for assessing the effects of these actions, according to … Continue reading New EEA briefing on protecting and restoring Europe’s wild pollinators
New publication from BPIE: Making choices for home renovation: A guide for an effective implementation of EPBD Article 9.2
With the policy framework in place, now effective implementation of the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is a necessity. The Buildings Performance Institute Europe (BPIE) has just published a report to help in the implementation. The report is a practical guide to help member states implement Article 9.2 of the revised EPBD, focusing … Continue reading New publication from BPIE: Making choices for home renovation: A guide for an effective implementation of EPBD Article 9.2
The EU accelerates the completion of the energy union
On its website, the European Commission published this week a news article on how it is completing the energy union. In focus: Completing Europe’s energy union In 2015, the EU’s energy union strategy set out a bold vision to fundamentally transform our energy system. It envisioned a resilient energy union, with an ambitious climate policy, to … Continue reading The EU accelerates the completion of the energy union
In simplifying the European Union’s green rulebook, what is the role of experts?
Diplomats warn that leaving experts out of policy discussions on simplifying green regulations will do more harm than good. Marianne Gros, Louise Guillot and Koen Verhelst discuss the concerns in an article on the Politico website. EU countries sideline experts in dash to slash green rules When it comes to simplifying the European Union's … Continue reading In simplifying the European Union’s green rulebook, what is the role of experts?
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 