News

Clean water at majority of EU holiday destinations

Arthur Girling — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

Good news if you're planning a beach holiday in Europe this summer: 92.1 % of bathing waters in the European Union now meet the minimum water quality standards set by the Bathing Water Directive. This includes the Serpentine Lake in London, which will host several Olympics events, including the Open Water Marathon Swim and the swimming section of the triathlon.

Do we live in a 'green economy'? New report assesses progress in Europe

Arthur Girling — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

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).

Europe's future depends on cities resilient to climate change

Arthur Girling — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:00:00 +0200

Around three quarters of Europeans live in cities. Most of Europe's wealth is generated in cities, and urban areas are particularly at risk due to climate change. Europe should seize the opportunity of improving quality of life while adapting to climate change in cities, according to a report from the European Environment Agency (EEA). The report also warns that delaying adaptation will be much more costly in the long-term.

Increase in cancers and fertility problems may be caused by household chemicals and pharmaceuticals

Arthur Girling — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:00:00 +0200

Chemicals which disrupt the hormone system – also known as 'endocrine disrupting chemicals' (EDCs) – may be a contributing factor behind the significant increases in cancers, diabetes and obesity, falling fertility, and an increased number of neurological development problems in both humans and animals, according to a review of recent scientific literature commissioned by the European Environment Agency (EEA).

Water: how can we account for our most vital resource?

Arthur Girling — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:20:00 +0200

The world is entering a period of growing water scarcity: by 2030, global demand for fresh water could outstrip supply by more than 40 % if water is used in the same way that it is today. These stark figures are the background to a new report from the International Resource Panel, a group of natural resources experts hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme.

Generation ’92 video competition: And the winners are...

Marie Jaegly — Wed, 09 May 2012 10:00:00 +0200

After lengthy deliberations, the winners of the Generation ’92 video competition have been decided. The video competition from the European Environment Agency (EEA) asked young people across Europe to submit a short video showing their idea of a sustainable future.

Rio 2012 is an opportunity to move towards a green economy

Iben Stanhardt — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:40:00 +0200

In less than two months, world leaders will gather in Rio de Janeiro for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development. It is 20 years since the last Rio conference, and Rio 2012 is an opportunity to assess the progress made toward sustainable development since 1992 and begin building a Green Economy.

Creating a quiet environment

Iben Stanhardt — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0200

Do you know someone who is doing something to create a healthy soundscape in your working environment, neighbourhood or municipality—implementing innovative solutions to noise problems or creating quiet green areas where the sounds of birds and bees can be enjoyed? If so, encourage them to apply for the European Soundscape Award 2012 which is open for submission from 25 April, the International Noise Awareness Day.

Vote for your favourite video in our competition!

Nicole Kobosil — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:30:00 +0200

Twenty years ago, governments from around the world met in Rio de Janeiro to discuss sustainable development, and created some of the most far-reaching environmental agreements. As the negotiators prepare for Rio+20, we asked young people across Europe – born around the time of the first Earth Summit – to show us their vision for a sustainable future.

What money can't buy - UN discusses happiness as a measure of progress

Arthur Girling — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:00:00 +0200

The world needs to move away from measuring success in purely economic terms, and should instead consider other criteria, including distribution of resources, sustainability, health, human rights and education. These were the discussions in a landmark meeting of the United Nations (UN), calling for new measurements of wellbeing beyond GDP in the run up to the Rio sustainability summit in June.