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The circular economy and the bioeconomy — Partners in sustainability
This is the third in a series of reports on the circular economy in support of the framing, implementation and evaluation of European circular economy policy from an environmental perspective. The two previous reports applied a systemic approach to framing a circular economy and to the products within it. This report on the bioeconomy addresses circularity aspects of bio-based products and the sustainable use of renewable natural resources.
Communication, environment and behaviour
A scoping study on the links between public communication, environment policy implementation and behavioural science. In its Multiannual Work Programme 2014-2018, the EEA highlights the need for a transition towards a more sustainable society, fully aligned with the European Union’s 7th Environment Action Programme. This study explores - and aims to develop - the role of public communication to improve the implementation of environmental legislation and to contribute to this debate by bringing communications, environment and behaviour closer. It draws from other EEA work, in particular on consumption and policy evaluation where relevant.
EEA Signals 2012 – Building the future we want
Signals 2012 brings together environmental issues such as sustainability, green economy, water, waste, food, governance and knowledge sharing. It is prepared in the context of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development — Rio 2012. This year's Signals will give you a flavour of how consumers, forward-thinking businesses and policymakers can make a difference by combining new technological tools — from satellite observations to online platforms. It will also suggest creative and effective solutions to preserve the environment.
EEA SIGNALS 2019 - Land and soil in Europe
We cannot live without healthy land and soil. It is on land that we produce most of our food and we build our homes. For all species — animals and plants living on land or water — land is vital. Soil — one of the essential components of land — is a very complex and often undervalued element, teeming with life. Unfortunately, the way we currently use land and soil in Europe and in the world is not sustainable. This has significant impacts on life on land.
Energy and environment report 2008
Delivery drones and the environment
A technology with uncertain potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from e-commerce and the logistics industry and concerns over increased noise pollution and threats to wildlife.
Total sturgeon catch in the Caspian Sea
Exiting the Anthropocene? Exploring fundamental change in our relationship with nature
The ways in which societies, institutions and citizens relate to and value nature have played a key role in the interconnected biodiversity, climate change, natural resource and health crises we face. This briefing explores how to reframe the relationships between humans and nature. It examines how holistically understanding humans’ deep interconnection with other life forms and ecosystems could lead to new motivations to protect nature and accelerate the societal transformation we need to live well within the limits of the planet.
European forest ecosystems: key allies in sustainable development
European forests are vital to achieving Sustainable Development Goals 15 and 6, related to life on land, and clean water and sanitation, respectively. Insights into the current state of European forest ecosystems, drivers of societal demands and other pressures, and their governance are essential for effective management and decision-making at local, regional and European levels. This briefing outlines the main characteristics of forests in Europe today and some key trends around their extent and condition.
Sustainability of Europe's mobility systems 2025
The EU is moving toward a sustainable mobility system to provide more affordable and cleaner transport for passengers and goods. However, air pollution, noise and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are unresolved challenges that will require persistent attention in the coming years.
Cumulative global fleet of battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) in different parts of the world
The figure presents the total global stock of electric vehicles in key regions, including both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
Reimagining the food system through social innovations
Food systems require urgent and profound transformation to become sustainable, both in Europe and worldwide. Social innovation plays a pivotal role in transforming today’s food systems into ones that are economically and socially feasible, and sustainable within planetary boundaries. This briefing presents the results of a systematic examination of emerging social innovations across the food chain, conducted using horizon scanning, a tool to detect early signs of potentially important developments. It offers insights into the experimentation taking place in alternative ways to produce, trade and consume food.
Just sustainability transitions — From concept to practice
This report considers how justice is tackled in the policies which are currently in place to deliver the European Green Deal. It summarises the lessons learnt for policy-makers seeking to achieve a fair green transition, by moving from the concept of justice to the practice of embedding fairness in the design and implementation of policies.
Sustainability of Europe’s mobility systems 2024
The EU has set out on course towards a sustainable mobility system, aiming at providing users with more affordable and cleaner alternatives for transport of both passengers and goods. However, air pollution, noise and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are all challenges which have not yet been solved; resolving them will require persistent attention in the coming years.
Schematic representation of limits of circularity in the EU-27, 2019
Urban sustainability issues — Enabling resource-efficient cities
Shifting to a resource-efficient society is not just a question of technological change but a systemic one. It is a process that assumes fundamental changes in the governance, economy, social structure, culture and practices of the societal system. This report analyses challenges and opportunities for enabling resource-efficient cities.
European progress towards sustainable consumption and production (SCP)
A framework for indicator-based reporting
Growth without economic growth
Economic growth is closely linked to increases in production, consumption and resource use and has detrimental effects on the natural environment and human health. It is unlikely that a long-lasting, absolute decoupling of economic growth from environmental pressures and impacts can be achieved at the global scale; therefore, societies need to rethink what is meant by growth and progress and their meaning for global sustainability.
Land in Europe: prices, taxes and use patterns
Developments in land‑use patterns across Europe are generating considerable concern, particularly in relation to achievement of environmental goals. Land‑use trends — such as urban sprawl and land abandonment — are jeopardising the future for sustainable land use. Moreover, these trends endanger the achievement of European environmental goals in areas such as biodiversity protection and water management and also hinder the effectiveness of instruments in these areas, including the Natura 2000 network and the Water Framework Directive.
Pilot fact sheets on national sustainable consumption and production policies
Taking stock of EU initiatives
Progress towards the European 2010 biodiversity target
This report presents a first indicator-based assessment of Europe's progress towards its target of halting biodiversity loss by 2010. The Streamlining European 2010 Biodiversity Indicators (SEBI 2010) process was set up to streamline national, regional and global indicators and, crucially, to develop a simple and workable set of indicators to measure progress and help reach the 2010 target.
Progress towards the European 2010 biodiversity target — indicator fact sheets
This Technical report contains individual assessments for each of the 26 SEBI 2010 indicators. These detailed assessments underpin the analysis, synthesis and policy implications contained in EEA Report 04/2009, entitled 'Progress towards the European 2010 biodiversity target'.
Reflecting on green growth
Creating a resilient economy within environmental limits
Urban sustainability issues — What is a resource-efficient city?
The report introduces the concept of urban metabolism, the circular model and the role of compactness in urban resource efficiency. Cities require natural resources and energy to sustain the activities and daily life of the urban population. Nevertheless, there are opportunities to minimise the use of resources needed to sustain urban life and to reduce waste and emissions. As the urban form shapes the way people live, work and move, compact cities offer great potential to reduce the dependence on natural resources and energy. Urban planning, based on a vision of the future and developed with local stakeholders and crossing administrative borders, is a key factor in increasing the density of urban areas.
Urban sustainability issues — Resource-efficient cities: good practice
Cities are key players in minimising the use of resources and in developing the circular model. Generally, municipalities provide utilities and control public services for citizens and businesses that influence the majority of resource and energy use and the production of emissions and waste. Local authorities have the capacity to implement responses at multiple scales. This report analyses both the supply and the demand issues. It is divided into two parts: the first is devoted to how to avoid, prevent and reduce the use of resources; the second addresses reuse, recycling and harvesting.