European environmental highlights by EEA

EEA kicks off public activities in the run-up to COP15

Gülcin KARADENIZ — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:00:00 +0200

On the occasion of Copenhagen Culture Night, the European Environment Agency (EEA) unveils today a webpage on its activities related to the international climate conference 'COP15'. The new webpage explains the EEA's role in the context of the international climate conference. It allows the public to explore the role of the EEA as leading European body providing authoritative information on the effects of climate change mitigation policies and the impacts of climate change.

EU set to miss 2010 air pollutant limits

Oscar Romero Sanchez — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0200

With 2010 now quickly approaching, updated emission estimates for that year show just 14 Member States expect to meet their respective 2010 air pollutant limits set under the EU National Emission Ceilings Directive (NEC Directive). A small group of Member States anticipates missing two or more of their legally-binding emission ceilings.

EEA joins forces with European Water Partnership

Gülcin KARADENIZ — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:00:00 +0200

The European Environment Agency and the European Water Partnership (EWP) announced today a new cooperation plan to improve water use in Europe. The first initiatives of the cooperation will be to develop a vision for sustainable water, raise awareness and strengthen information flows.

Best way to get around: bicycle, car or on foot?

Gülcin KARADENIZ — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:00:00 +0200

Every day, millions of Europeans make short trips to work, school or the shops. Their choice of how to reach their destination has a significant impact on the environment. During European Mobility Week from 16 to 22 September 2009, Europe will focus on sustainable mobility in urban areas. The European Environment Agency has tips to help you make your daily trips more environmentally friendly.

The Alps: Europe’s cherished but endangered mountains

Oscar Romero Sanchez — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0200

As the ‘water towers of Europe’, the Alps play a crucial role in sustaining the social and economic wellbeing of millions of people living in vast lowland areas. A complex and vulnerable ecosystem, they represent Europe’s central landmark.

Effectiveness of EU cohesion spending on the environment

Gülcin KARADENIZ — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:00:00 +0200

Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund are the European Union's main financial instruments to reduce the gap between poor and rich regions. In its new report, the European Environment Agency evaluates the effectiveness of these funds in achieving environmental goals by focusing on investments in wastewater treatment, biodiversity, and energy efficiency and renewable energy in three pilot countries: Austria, Italy and Spain.

New estimates confirm the declining trend in EU greenhouse gas emissions

Gülcin KARADENIZ — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0200

New European Environment Agency (EEA) estimates indicate that EU greenhouse gas emissions decreased in 2008 for the fourth consecutive year. Compared to the 2007 official emissions published earlier this year, the annual reduction is estimated to be about 1.3 % for the EU-15 and 1.5 % for the EU-27. Based on these estimates, the greenhouse gas emissions in 2008 stand approximately 6.2 % below the Kyoto base-year emissions for the EU-15, and 10.7 % below the 1990 level for the EU-27.

Emissions of air pollutants down in EU-27

Oscar Romero Sanchez — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:30:00 +0200

The European Community's air pollutant emission inventory report released by the European Environment Agency finds that in 2007, sulphur oxides (SOx) emissions were down by 72 % from 1990 levels. The downward emission trend of three main pollutants which cause ground-level ozone continued in 2007: carbon monoxide (CO) fell by 57 %, non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) were down by 47 % and nitrogen oxides (NOx) have dropped 36 %. EU-27 emissions of all four pollutants were lower in 2007 than in 2006.

In memory of Svend Auken

Gülcin KARADENIZ — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0200

The Executive Director and staff of the European Environment Agency were very sad to hear of the death of Svend Auken the morning of 4 August, after lengthy illness. Svend Auken played a major role in the establishment of the EEA in Copenhagen in 1993 and was ever since a strong supporter and friend of the Agency.

Forest fires in Southern Europe destroy much more than trees

Oscar Romero Sanchez — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

Forest fires in Spain, France, Italy and Greece burned more than 50 000 hectares in the last four days. The economic and environmental damage caused by such fires extends well beyond the affected areas. Damage to biodiversity and livelihoods may take decades to reverse.