New EEA report takes stock of urban adaptation in Europe

Most Europeans live in urban areas and cities play a key role in protecting citizens and improving the resilience of European societies against the increasing impacts of climate change. The European Environment Agency’s report, published this week, takes stock of urban adaptation in Europe, showcasing what actions cities are taking in response to increasing climate … Continue reading New EEA report takes stock of urban adaptation in Europe →

Energy in Demand News, April 28, 2024

Economic damage from natural catastrophes is raising concern that some areas could be rendered uninsurable, according to Petra Hielkema, head of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (Eiopa), quoted in the Financial Times (behind a paywall). “The EU suffered more than €50bn in economic losses from natural catastrophes in both 2021 and 2022, according … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, April 28, 2024 →

“The fossil fuel lobby is holding us back from negotiating a treaty that will end the plastics crisis”

The fourth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, is taking place in Ottawa, Canada. This meeting is being held pursuant to the resolution adopted by the resumed fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), which requests the UN Environment … Continue reading “The fossil fuel lobby is holding us back from negotiating a treaty that will end the plastics crisis” →

Did the World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings build momentum for transformative change in Africa?

In an article on the African Arguments website, an expert panel gives their verdict on whether the Spring Meetings offered Africa hope that climate finance will be expanded and reformed. Climate finance: Did the IMF/World Bank spring meetings move the dial? In a year in which climate finance will take centre stage in climate … Continue reading Did the World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings build momentum for transformative change in Africa? →

Discussions underway to make COP29 and COP30 smaller

While 84,000 delegates attended COP28 in Dubai, just 40,000-50,000 are expected at COP29 in Baku and COP30 in Belém. Alice Martins Morais, Matteo Civillini and Joe Lo write on the Climate Home News website about latest developments. Peak COP? UN looks to shrink Baku and Belém climate summits UN climate chief Simon Stiell has … Continue reading Discussions underway to make COP29 and COP30 smaller →

Global Stocktaking on Sustainable Energy (SDG7)

The Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) from the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) reports on United Nations environment and development negotiations. The following is its report on global stocktaking concerning Sustainable Development Goal 7. Achieving access to affordable and clean energy for all (SDG7) is considered indispensable to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and is, … Continue reading Global Stocktaking on Sustainable Energy (SDG7) →

New tool empowers regions in their energy transition across Europe

The REGIO1st Planning Framework provides a comprehensive, structured approach for regional energy planners in Europe to develop and implement sustainable, cost-effective energy strategies in line with the Energy Efficiency First (EE1st) principle. Regions and cities play a key role in the energy transition across Europe, as they are the main channel for the implementation of … Continue reading New tool empowers regions in their energy transition across Europe →

New assessment from EEA and ECHA of the drivers and impact of chemical pollution

The transition towards safer and more sustainable chemicals is progressing in some areas, while in others, it is just beginning. This is the finding of a first, joint Europe-wide assessment of the drivers and impact of chemical pollution by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published this week. The benchmarking … Continue reading New assessment from EEA and ECHA of the drivers and impact of chemical pollution →

European Citizens’ Panel provides recommendations on energy efficiency

The European Citizens’ Panel on Energy Efficiency brings together 150 European citizens to discuss how energy may be used in the EU and how the energy system will change. The panel met three times and produced recommendations for the European Commission. 150 European citizens adopted 13 recommendations for the EC on energy efficiency during the … Continue reading European Citizens’ Panel provides recommendations on energy efficiency →

Switzerland’s condemnation by the ECHR is a valuable development in the fight against global warming

Can a state be held liable for failing to protect its citizens from the consequences of climate change? By answering this question in the affirmative on Tuesday, April 9, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) handed down an unprecedented decision. This ruling should set a precedent in the 46 member states of the Council … Continue reading Switzerland’s condemnation by the ECHR is a valuable development in the fight against global warming →