News catalogue

Is there a protected area near you? Find out on UN Biodiversity Day

Arthur Girling — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:45:00 +0200

Protected areas cover more than one fifth of the land in the 39 countries working with the European Environment Agency (EEA). On International Biodiversity Day, the EEA encourages Europeans to find out more about their closest nature reserve or national park using a new interactive map.

Europe’s bathing waters continue to improve

Arthur Girling — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:55:00 +0200

Ninety-four per cent of bathing sites in the European Union meet minimum standards for water quality, according to the European Environment Agency's annual report on bathing water quality in Europe. Water quality is excellent at 78 % of sites and almost 2 % more sites meet the minimum requirements compared to last year's report.

Green fiscal reform can create jobs and stimulate innovation across the EU

Arthur Girling — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:35:00 +0200

Increasing some tax rates and removing subsidies on environmentally harmful products and services can boost economic growth if the revenue generated is then used to relieve the tax burden on employment and investment.

Neonicotinoid pesticides are a huge risk – so ban is welcome, says EEA

Arthur Girling — Thu, 02 May 2013 09:35:00 +0200

The European Commission has decided to ban three neonicotinoid insecticides. These chemicals can harm honeybees, according to a large body of scientific evidence, so the European Environment Agency (EEA) commends the precautionary decision to ban them.

Consumers buying more efficient cars in Europe

Arthur Girling — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:30:00 +0200

The average car sold in the EU in 2012 was 9 % more fuel-efficient than the average three years before, according to a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA). Improved technology and an increase in the share of diesel cars are the main reasons behind the fall in average CO2 emissions.

Europe must adapt to stay ahead of a changing climate

Arthur Girling — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:31:35 +0200

As Europe’s climate warms, wine producers in Europe may need to change the type of grapes they cultivate or the location of vineyards, even moving production to other areas in some cases. This is just one example of how Europe’s economy and society need to adapt to climate change, as examined in a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA).

The European Soundscape Award 2013 - open for applications

Iben Stanhardt — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:00:00 +0200

Do you want to make some noise about your campaign for a quiet environment? Or do you want to show others how your community solved a noise problem and created a healthier soundscape? The European Soundscape Award 2013 aims to draw attention to these kinds of projects.

Every breath we take – Signals 2013 focuses on air quality in Europe

Iben Stanhardt — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:00:00 +0200

Poor air quality can have serious impacts on our health and the environment. How is Europe’s air quality? What are the main sources of air pollutants? How do they affect our health and the environment? What does Europe do to improve air quality? The new edition of the European Environment Agency’s (EEA) Signals takes a closer look.

Can we save energy by changing our behaviour?

Iben Stanhardt — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:00:00 +0200

In 2010, European households consumed almost 13 % more energy than two decades ago and generated 25 % of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. This trend must be reversed for the EU to reach its goal of reducing primary energy consumption by 20 % by 2020. Today, the European Environment Agency (EEA) publishes a report which investigates what it takes to achieve energy savings through changing consumer behaviour and launches an online survey to know more about society's views on the topic.

Independent evaluation commends EEA impact and efficiency

Iben Stanhardt — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:00:00 +0200

The European Environment Agency (EEA) has been given overall good marks in an independent evaluation of its work, which has concluded that the European body is a well-functioning and effective organisation.