Highlights

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.

Invasive alien species: a growing problem for environment and health

Arthur Girling — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 13:55:00 +0100

Invasive alien species pose greater risks than previously thought for biodiversity, human health and economies, according to two new reports from the European Environment Agency (EEA).

More than half of EU surface waters below ‘good’ ecological status

Arthur Girling — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:55:00 +0100

Water pollution and physical modifications are still affecting the ecology of many of Europe’s lakes, rivers, transitional water bodies and coastal waters. These problems are likely to prevent the water bodies reaching ‘good’ status by 2015, a target set by the EU’s Water Framework Directive (WFD).

Protected areas have increased to cover one fifth of Europe’s land

Arthur Girling — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 10:00:00 +0200

More than 21 % of the land has some kind of protected status in the 39 countries which work with the European Environment Agency (EEA). However, only 4 % of the sea controlled by countries of the European Union is included within the Natura 2000 network of protected areas, according to a new report from the EEA.

Measuring biodiversity with indicators – new report describes SEBI approach

Arthur Girling — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 10:00:00 +0200

The continuing loss of biodiversity – made up of genes, species and ecosystems – is a matter of growing concern in Europe. Yet measuring the extent of the loss and the threat it poses is a huge challenge.

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).

Increasing fragmentation of landscape threatens European wildlife

Arthur Girling — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 13:30:00 +0200

Roads, motorways, railways, intensive agriculture and urban developments are breaking up Europe’s landscapes into ever-smaller pieces, with potentially devastating consequences for flora and fauna across the continent, according to a new joint report from the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN). The report, 'Landscape fragmentation in Europe', demonstrates how areas of land are often unable to support high levels of biodiversity when they are split into smaller and smaller parcels.

Environment Commissioner and Danish Minister meet 80,000 workers at the EEA

Arthur Girling — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:30:00 +0200

The bees living on the roof of the European Environment Agency (EEA) received some special guests today, when European Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik and Danish Environment Minister Karen Ellemann visited their hives. The two policy makers joined EEA Executive Director Jacqueline McGlade in harvesting the first batch of honey.

A walk in the woods on May 22 - International Biodiversity Day

Arthur Girling — Sun, 22 May 2011 10:00:00 +0200

Forests are some of the most important ecosystems in Europe, and are home to many thousands of species. Although the amount of forest cover is stable across Europe, it is declining worldwide, and the rich variety of life on Earth is also following this downward trend. On 22 May, International Biodiversity Day, the European Environment Agency invites you to explore and enjoy biodiversity in Europe’s forests.

How to manage the planet within its limits

Iben Stanhardt — Tue, 17 May 2011 09:55:31 +0200

European Environment Agency (EEA) Executive Director Jacqueline McGlade is participating in the 3rd Nobel Laureate Symposium on Global Sustainability, from 17-19 May. Prof. McGlade will act as a delegate and moderator. The key outcome of the Symposium, the Stockholm Memorandum, will develop a new vision for sustainable development and prosperity, along with mechanisms for achieving it.

Land use conflicts necessitate integrated policy

Iben Stanhardt — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:56:57 +0200

Demand for land in Europe is high. Food and biomass production, housing, infrastructure and recreation all compete for space, with impacts on our climate, biodiversity and ecosystem services. In a recent assessment, the European Environment Agency (EEA) analyses land use change in Europe, concluding that we need an integrated policy approach based on reliable data to balance sectoral demands and manage land sustainably.

World Forest Day highlights multiple threats on forests

Gülcin KARADENIZ — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:55:00 +0100

Forests cover over 30 % of the earth's surface. They are one of the most important 'storehouses' of biological diversity on land and play a key role in regulating our planet's climate. Their importance and the wide array of threats on world's forests are in the spotlight during the World Forest Day 21 March and the UN International Year of Forests 2011.

Biodiversity year comes to end, the challenge remains

Gülcin KARADENIZ — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 12:00:00 +0100

The International Year of Biodiversity 2010 has officially ended with closing ceremonies held last weekend. The European Environment Agency (EEA) will continue supporting European policy makers in their efforts to implement measures agreed earlier this year in Nagoya, Japan.

COP10: Nature talks ended with three inter-linked goals

Gülcin KARADENIZ — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity closed the Nagoya Biodiversity Summit (COP10) by adopting decisions that will permit the community of nations to meet the unprecedented challenges of the continued loss of biodiversity compounded by climate change. The European Environment Agency will continue to support Europe's policymakers in implementing the ensuing measures.

Biodiversity beyond 2010: deciding the way ahead

Gülcin KARADENIZ — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 11:00:00 +0200

World leaders and policymakers are gathering at a major conference in Japan to debate how to halt global biodiversity loss. At this 10th Conference of the Parties (COP-10), the European Environment Agency is presenting its assessments on Europe’s biodiversity, including its new report on the EU 2010 Biodiversity Baseline.