Remembering why developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution is necessary

Over 180 countries are now meeting in Geneva. The UN meeting is the culmination of several years of negotiating. In theory, delegates will agree on a global treaty by August 15. In an article on The Conversation website, Cat Acheson, Research Associate, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh; Alice Street, Senior Lecturer … Continue reading Remembering why developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution is necessary →

Blog by Jane Marsh – Green Energy’s Environmental Impact: What the Industry Isn’t Always Telling You

You support a zero-carbon transition because clean electricity outperforms fossil fuels on nearly every climate metric. Yet each solar panel, wind turbine and battery carries a tangible footprint — from the ores mined for production to the waste left at retirement. By tracking these impacts and pressing policymakers and suppliers for tighter safeguards, you can … Continue reading Blog by Jane Marsh – Green Energy’s Environmental Impact: What the Industry Isn’t Always Telling You →

Germany’s energy transition: “We need effective climate protection. Otherwise, summer will turn from a wonderful season to a very dangerous season for very many people.”

Jens Thurau writes on the Deutsche Welle website about how Germany, a country known for its lack of air conditioning, is preparing for the next heatwave. How Germany manages extreme heat and climate change This summer has seen some hot days in Germany. Very hot. In early July, temperatures in Hamburg and Cologne soared … Continue reading Germany’s energy transition: “We need effective climate protection. Otherwise, summer will turn from a wonderful season to a very dangerous season for very many people.” →

The EU lacks a comprehensive strategy to address cooling

In an article on the Atlantic Council website, Andrei Covatariu argues that if Europe fails to prepare for extreme heat, it will find itself in crisis after crisis—burning more fuel, spending more money, and drifting further from its climate and energy goals. Europe has a heating strategy—now it needs one for cooling For decades, … Continue reading The EU lacks a comprehensive strategy to address cooling →

Many Canadian hospitals reducing GHG emissions through alternatives to traditional anaesthetic gases

Abdul Matin Sarfraz writes on the National Observer website about how many hospitals in Canada are reducing GHG emissions by eliminating desflurane to sevoflurane as an anaesthetic gas for surgical operations. Canadian hospitals switching out anaesthetic gas for cleaner alternative At Trillium Health Partners in Mississauga, the decision to stop using the common anesthetic … Continue reading Many Canadian hospitals reducing GHG emissions through alternatives to traditional anaesthetic gases →

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 →

Latest EEA air quality data analysis shows that, while steady improvements, air pollution remains Europe’s largest environmental health risk

Air quality is steadily improving across Europe with most air pollution monitoring stations achieving current EU annual limits for some of the most harmful air pollutants. However, additional measures to improve air quality, especially in cities, will be required to fully meet current EU standards as well as recently agreed future air quality standards by … Continue reading Latest EEA air quality data analysis shows that, while steady improvements, air pollution remains Europe’s largest environmental health risk →

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 →

New EEA briefing on need to control methane emissions across Europe

More action is needed to control and reduce methane emissions across Europe and globally, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing published recently. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change, in addition it is also a major contributor to ground-level ozone pollution, leading to poor air quality and harm to human … Continue reading New EEA briefing on need to control methane emissions across Europe →

Estimating future heat-related and cold-related mortality under climate change, demographic and adaptation scenarios in 854 European cities

A new modelling study estimates 2.3 million additional temperature-related deaths unless urgent action is taken to address changing climate. The study is discussed in a news item on the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine website. Climate study: Rise in heat deaths will substantially outweigh fewer cold deaths A modelling study, led by … Continue reading Estimating future heat-related and cold-related mortality under climate change, demographic and adaptation scenarios in 854 European cities →