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UNEP report maps the pathways to a green economy: The EEA welcomes the publication today of UNEP's report 'Pathways to a green economy'. It represents a valuable contribution to the current debate on moving the world to a sustainable path in the 21st century.
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What are the benefits of a Green Economy, also for European competitiveness and job creation?: Concepts such as Green Economy, Resource efficiency and Sustainable Consumption and Production are currently discussed as pathways to reduce environmental pressures in Europe and beyond. The European Environment Agency has interviewed some selected key stakeholders - from government, business, non-governmental organisations and academia - and asked them about their views what benefits a Green economy entails for Europe.
Located in Environmental topics › Green economy › Multimedia
Do we live in a 'green economy'? New report assesses progress in Europe: Despite progress in some areas, Europe must do more to create the 'green economy' needed for the continent to become sustainable, according to a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA).
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EEA report 1/2006 - Using the market for cost-effective environmental policy: Located in Publications
From efficient water use to quitting fossil fuels – survey shows different approaches to resource efficiency across Europe: Resource efficiency is a policy priority for Europe. However, across the region there are many different approaches to ‘doing more with less’, as shown by a survey of countries’ policies, carried out by the European Environment Agency (EEA).
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Key message 8 — SOER synthesis: Increased resource efficiency and security can be achieved, for example, using extended life cycle approaches to reflect the full environmental impacts of products and activities. This can reduce Europe's dependence on resources globally and promote innovation. Pricing that takes full account of resource use impacts will be important for steering business and consumer behaviour towards enhanced resource efficiency. Clustering sectoral policies according to their resource needs and environmental pressures would improve coherence, address shared challenges efficiently, maximise economic and social benefits and help avoid unintended consequences.
Located in The European environment – state and outlook 2010 › … › The European environment – state and outlook 2010: Synthesis › Key messages
Material resources and waste — SOER 2010 thematic assessment: The European economy needs huge amounts of resources to function. Apart from consuming minerals, metals, concrete and wood, Europe burns fossil fuels and uses land to satisfy the needs of its citizens. Demand for materials is so intense that between 20 and 30 % of the resources we use are now imported. At the other end of the materials chain, the EU economy generates around six tons of waste per person every year. With the boom in international trade, EU consumption and production may potentially damage ecosystems and human health not only within but also far beyond its borders.
Located in The European environment – state and outlook 2010 › Thematic assessments
Urban environment - SOER 2010 thematic assessment: The global population is congregating in our cities. Eighty per cent of the world’s estimated nine billion people in 2050 are expected to live in urban areas. Our cities and urban areas face many challenges from social to health to environmental. The impacts of cities and urban areas are felt in other regions which supply cities with food, water and energy and absorb pollution and waste. However, the proximity of people, businesses and services associated with the very word ‘city’ means that there are also huge opportunities. Indeed, well designed, well managed urban settings offer a key opportunity for sustainable living.
Located in The European environment – state and outlook 2010 › Thematic assessments
Consumption and environment — key message 5: Instigating such changes and making more resource-efficient and environmentally sustainable consumption patterns mainstream is a significant challenge. It requires public authorities to put the framework conditions in place to enable business and consumers/citizens to act sustainably, and business and citizens need to take action by adopting more sustainable production and consumption patterns.
Located in The European environment – state and outlook 2010 › … › Consumption and the environment - SOER 2010 thematic assessment › Key messages
Material resources and waste — key message 2: Resource use and waste generation in the EU-27 have been decoupled from economic growth. However, in most countries resource use and waste generation still increase in absolute figures. Although resource efficiency continues to improve, the growth of material productivity has for decades been slower than the increase in labour productivity. There are no indications that the 6th Environment Action Programme (6th EAP) objective of the EU becoming 'the most resource-efficient economy in the world' is being met.
Located in The European environment – state and outlook 2010 › … › Material resources and waste — SOER 2010 thematic assessment › Key messages