Since the United Nations established the Paris Agreement, countries have recognized the importance of climate-protection regulations. Many nations independently developed environmental policies that target greenhouse gas emissions. Cities are generally areas of concern for ecologists when it comes to shrinking countries’ carbon footprints. Urban areas produce more atmospheric pollution from transportation, energy production, and buildings. … Continue reading Blog from Jane Marsh: Why We Need More Green Buildings for Combatting Emissions
Category: Sustainable development
This year’s assessment of the transparency and integrity of companies’ climate pledges
Companies around the world are increasingly alert to the climate emergency, facing calls from a growing range of stakeholders to take responsibility for the environmental impact of their activities. Most large companies now have public climate strategies and targets, many of which include pledges that, on the face of it, appear to significantly reduce, or … Continue reading This year’s assessment of the transparency and integrity of companies’ climate pledges
New EEA briefing on role of environmental taxation in supporting Europe’s sustainability transitions
The European Green Deal acknowledges the crucial role of taxation in Europe’s sustainability transition. A new European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing, published this week, shows that revenues from environmental taxes can support transition investments but future revenue streams from these taxes will erode as European Union (EU) environmental and climate policy objectives are achieved. The … Continue reading New EEA briefing on role of environmental taxation in supporting Europe’s sustainability transitions
New EEA analysis of economic losses and fatalities from weather and climate-related events
Extreme weather events like storms, heatwaves and flooding accounted for economic losses of around half a trillion euros over the past 40 years and led to between 85 000 and 145 000 human fatalities across Europe. Less than one-third of these losses were insured, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) analysis of economic losses … Continue reading New EEA analysis of economic losses and fatalities from weather and climate-related events
New EEA briefing on inequalities in access to urban green and blue spaces across Europe
High-quality green and blue spaces in cities, like parks, allotments, riverbanks and coastlines, are crucial for health and well-being, in particular for the elderly, children and people on low incomes. However, a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing, published this week, shows that access is not equal. How green are European cities? Green space key … Continue reading New EEA briefing on inequalities in access to urban green and blue spaces across Europe
African nations continue to hold the unenviable position of being disproportionately vulnerable to climate change
Margaret Kadiri, Lecturer in Physical Geography at King's College London writes on The Conversation website about the challenges faced by African countries in addressing climate change. Africa faces an uphill battle against western emissions to combat climate change The UN climate summit COP26, held in November 2021, focused the world’s attention on the urgent need … Continue reading African nations continue to hold the unenviable position of being disproportionately vulnerable to climate change
The construction sector is a major GHG emitter, so what can the industry do to cut CO2?
Millions of homes will need to be built for booming city populations in the coming decades. There are major challenges to minimise environmental damage and meet long-term energy and climate objectives. Some argue that tackling the climate crisis and meeting housing demands in cities will require a rethink of how space is used. Natalie Muller … Continue reading The construction sector is a major GHG emitter, so what can the industry do to cut CO2?
Reaction to IEA’s review of Canada’s energy policies
Bruce Campbell, Adjunct professor, faculty of environmental and urban change, at York University in Canada writes on The Conversation website about the praise the IEA gave Canada’s policies only weeks after the government’s Environment and Sustainable Development Commissioner released a scathing report on Canada’s climate record. Well, no one said the carbon-neutral energy transition would … Continue reading Reaction to IEA’s review of Canada’s energy policies
New EEA briefing on lessons learned from COVID-19 pandemic for sustainability
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted swift and forceful actions by governments and societies around the world. A European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing reflects on these responses and the link between the pandemic and the environment to draw lessons that could be used in making societies more sustainable. What lessons does COVID-19 offer for sustainability? … Continue reading New EEA briefing on lessons learned from COVID-19 pandemic for sustainability
Offset schemes do little to reduce climate impact of aviation
Almost all airlines now run offset schemes offering customers the chance to invest in green projects to negate the carbon impact of their flight. However, as Madeleine Cuff writes on the inews website, some offset prices fall are below the true cost of removing CO2. So, what would you suggest? Carbon offsetting fees offered … Continue reading Offset schemes do little to reduce climate impact of aviation
