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COP17 climate talks: Mapping the way towards a legal framework by 2015 — Dec 19, 2011: A new way forward has been agreed upon in Durban, South Africa, after two weeks of climate change negotiations. The European Union welcomed the agreement from the COP17 climate conference as a breakthrough in the fight against climate change.
Homes responsible for one quarter of European greenhouse emissions from energy — Dec 15, 2011: Home energy use is responsible overall for 25 % of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union (EU), according to a new analysis from the European Environment Agency (EEA). The report calculates emissions based on their 'end use', or the sector using the energy. Homes in the EU only emit 12 % of energy emissions directly, but this doubles when related emissions from power plants and district heating are factored in.
New IPCC report addresses risks of extreme events and disasters — Nov 23, 2011: It is "virtually certain" that warm weather extreme events will become more frequent this century, according to a new summary report published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on 18 November. In order to explore ways of adapting to heatwaves and other extreme events potentially exacerbated in future by climate change, the IPCC has brought together a range of scientific and professional expertise.
Carbon capture and storage could also impact air pollution — Nov 17, 2011: Carbon capture and storage (CCS) involves capturing carbon dioxide released by power stations and other industrial sources, and burying it deep underground. But in addition to keeping an important greenhouse gas (GHG) out of the atmosphere, this technology will lead to benefits and trade-offs for air pollution. A new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA) describes the effects that CCS may have on emissions of some key air pollutants.
Assessing climate change impacts in the Pyrenees — Oct 27, 2011: Europe’s mountain regions may suffer some of the most severe impacts of climate change. Increasing temperatures can change snow-cover patterns and lead to water shortages and other problems such as reduced ski tourism. Species may also face extinction if unable to move northward or uphill. To investigate these current and potential impacts in the Pyrenees, the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the Pyrenees Working Community (CTP) have recently signed an agreement to work together.
EU greenhouse gas emissions estimated to increase in 2010, but long-term decrease expected to continue — Oct 07, 2011: The European Union remains well on track to achieve its Kyoto Protocol target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions despite a 2.4 % emissions increase in 2010, according to first estimates by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The 2010 increase follows a 7 % drop in 2009, largely due to the economic recession and growth of renewable energy generation.
Big potential of cutting greenhouse gases from waste — Aug 29, 2011: There is a big potential to cut greenhouse gases (GHGs) from municipal solid waste management, according to a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA). The report, 'Waste opportunities – Past and future climate benefits from better municipal waste management in Europe', covers the EU-27 (excluding Cyprus), Norway and Switzerland. It estimates that these countries could make GHG savings of up to 78 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e) by 2020, or 1.53 % of Europe's emissions in 2008.
Carbon efficiency of new cars is increasing — Jun 29, 2011: Preliminary data published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA) show that new passenger cars registered in the European Union (EU) in 2010 are emitting 3.7 % less CO2 per kilometre travelled than new cars from 2009. A new data viewer with confirmed data will be available in October allowing consumers to compare the carbon efficiency of cars from different manufacturers.
Recession and renewables cut greenhouse emissions in 2009 — May 31, 2011: Greenhouse gas emissions decreased very sharply in 2009, by 7.1 % in the EU-27 and 6.9 % in the EU-15. These most recent results, compiled by the European Environment Agency (EEA), confirm estimates made by the EEA last year. This decrease was largely the result of the economic recession of 2009, but also sustained strong growth in renewable energy.
Commission and EEA sign agreement to provide detailed information on land cover in Europe — May 25, 2011: The European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Commission (EC) have signed an agreement to provide information on land cover in Europe, compiling data from land, air and space. The agreement was signed on May 25, during a Green Week event in Brussels.
How to manage the planet within its limits — May 17, 2011: 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.
World Forest Day highlights multiple threats on forests — Mar 21, 2011: 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.
Disasters in Europe: more frequent and causing more damage — Jan 12, 2011: The number and impacts of disasters have increased in Europe in the period 1998-2009, a new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) concludes. The report assesses the frequency of disasters and their impacts on humans, the economy and ecosystems and calls for better integrated risk disaster management across Europe.
COP16: Climate talks set the way forward — Dec 16, 2010: Two-week long negotiations on a global climate deal ended with a balanced and substantive package of decisions adopted on 11 December, known as the Cancún Agreement. The European Union welcomed the positive outcome of the COP16 conference and stressed that it is willing to do its fair share of the global effort.
COP16: climate change talks start in Mexico — Nov 29, 2010: Governments, civil society and business representatives are convening in Cancun, Mexico, on 29 November – 10 December for a United Nations conference (COP16) on combating climate change. In the run up to the conference, the European Union reiterated its desire to see a balanced set of decisions in Cancún.
Deep emission cuts give the EU a head start under the Kyoto Protocol — Oct 12, 2010: A new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) shows that large drop in emissions seen in 2008 and 2009 gives EU-15 a head start to reach and even overachieve its 8 % reduction target under the Kyoto Protocol. Austria, Denmark and Italy, however, need to step up their current efforts until 2012 to ensure that their contribution to the common EU-15 target is delivered. The EEA report also shows that EU-27 is well on track towards achieving its 20 % reduction target by 2020.
Recession accelerates the decline in EU greenhouse gas emissions — Sep 10, 2010: According to the European Environment Agency's (EEA) new estimates, EU-27 and EU-15 greenhouse gas emissions both decreased by 6.9 % in 2009 compared to 2008. Based on these estimates, the EU-27’s 2009 emissions stand approximately 17.3 % below the 1990 level and therefore very close to the bloc’s target of cutting emissions 20 % by 2020. The EU-15 stands 12.9 % below the base-year level, exceeding its Kyoto commitment to an 8 % reduction for the first time.
EU greenhouse gas emissions: more than half way to the '20 % target by 2020' — Jun 02, 2010: The European Union's greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory report, compiled by the European Environment Agency (EEA), shows that emissions have not only continued their downward trend in 2008, but have also picked up pace. The EU-27's emissions stood 11.3 % below their 1990 levels, while EU-15 achieved a reduction of 6.9 % compared to Kyoto base-year levels.
Biodiversity, climate change and you — Mar 24, 2010: EEA Signals 2010: stories about people and their environment
COP15: outcomes and the way forward — Jan 20, 2010: The United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Copenhagen ended on Saturday, 19 December 2009. The main outcome of the conference was a political agreement – known as the Copenhagen Accord – to cap the global temperature rise by committing to significant emission reductions and to raise funds to help the developing world address climate change.
Biodiversity is life. Biodiversity is our life. — Jan 11, 2010: To celebrate the launch of the International Year of Biodiversity on 11 January, the European Environment Agency (EEA) is commencing a series of concise, thematic assessments of biodiversity. The first of these '10 messages for 2010' presents the interaction between climate change and biodiversity.
Bend the trend — every small act counts — Dec 14, 2009: International business leaders, social organisers, Lapland's reindeer herders and the Netherlands' architects all have stories to tell about how climate change has affected them. The European Environment Agency is providing them a platform to make their voices and solutions heard. The Agency also invites everyone to pledge a small change in their lifestyle.
COP15 is on: let's talk climate change — Dec 07, 2009: Governments, civil society and business representatives are convening in Copenhagen on 7–18 December for a United Nations conference on combating climate change. European Environment Agency will host several events and contribute to some of the many activities taking place around the city.
Non-industrial emissions key for meeting Kyoto targets — Nov 12, 2009: A report by the European Environment Agency released today shows that the European Union and all Member States but one are on track to meet their Kyoto Protocol commitments to limit and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
EEA kicks off public activities in the run-up to COP15 — Oct 09, 2009: 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.
The Alps: Europe’s cherished but endangered mountains — Sep 09, 2009: 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.
New estimates confirm the declining trend in EU greenhouse gas emissions — Aug 31, 2009: 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.
"Climate change: act and adapt" at Green Week 2009 — Jun 23, 2009: 2009 will be a critical year in the battle against climate change, with negotiations on a global agreement to succeed the Kyoto Protocol due to conclude at the Copenhagen climate conference in December.
World Environment Day – Friday 5 June: your planet needs you! — Jun 04, 2009: On Friday 5 June, millions of people around the world will unite for the planet with a strong call for environmental action just six months before the crucial United Nations climate change talks in Copenhagen, Denmark.
EU greenhouse gas emissions fall for third consecutive year — May 29, 2009: European Union emissions of climate-changing greenhouse gases (GHG) declined for the third consecutive year in 2007, according to the EU's GHG inventory report compiled by the European Environment Agency. The EU-27's overall domestic emissions were 9.3 % below 1990 levels, which equalled a drop of 1.2 % or 59 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent compared to 2006. The EU-15 now stands 5 % below its Kyoto Protocol base year levels.
Biodiversity loss and climate change: the need for an ecosystem approach — May 06, 2009: Biodiversity loss and climate change are now a part of our lives. Both are rooted in overexploitation of natural resources. Both require a coherent policy response. The Syracuse Charter and the Athens Conference underline the strong political commitment to take action. To ensure our society and economy have a healthy future, we need a way to assess our impacts on the natural world. The European Environment Agency's European Ecosystem Assessment (EURECA) responds to that need.
A first glimpse at 2008 emissions trading data — Apr 03, 2009: The European Environment Agency (EEA) is launching a revamped version of its EU Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) data viewer, allowing users to retrieve easily the latest greenhouse gas emissions covered by the EU ETS up to 2008. Data available as of 29 April 2009 covers 85% of the emissions encompassed within the EU ETS.
Europe needs to steer transport policy in the right direction — Mar 31, 2009: Transport continues to contribute disproportionally to Europe's greenhouse gas emissions, poor air quality and noise; and still uses the least efficient modes to move people and goods.
Drought and water overuse in Europe — Mar 17, 2009: From golf courses to books, olive oil to vaccinations, all the goods and services that we rely on, together with many of our daily activities, require a vital resource: water. A new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) confirms that in many parts of Europe water use is unsustainable and provides recommendations for a new approach to managing water resources.
Killer slugs and other aliens — EEA Signals 2009: Eight environmental stories for Europe — Jan 09, 2009: Is gardening one of your interests? If so and you live in central or northern Europe the 'killer slug' is probably one of your personal enemies. The slug, which attacks your herbs and vegetables relentlessly, seems immune to control measures.
Climate change conference opens in Poland — Dec 01, 2008: A step closer to a post-2012 deal on climate change is what is at stake as over 10 000 participants from governments, non-governmental organisations, and science and business communities gather for a two-week UN conference in Poznań, Poland. The European Environment Agency (EEA) is hosting a side event on 'Impacts of and adaptation to climate change in Europe' on 11 December 2008.
Aarhus Convention: empowering citizens 10 years on — Nov 13, 2008: Ten years after the signature of the Aarhus Convention, access to environmental information remains a priority. Combating climate change demands a huge involvement from citizens, not just from policymakers and businesses. In order to promote changes leading to better environmental protection, "the public needs to be properly informed and empowered to participate in political debates at all levels, as well being empowered to change their own way of living", says Professor Jacqueline McGlade, EEA Executive Director.
How to optimise the use of bioenergy for Europe’s climate efforts — Nov 12, 2008: Bioenergy can substantially reduce Europe's greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to achieving the EU's renewable energy target, says a new report by the European Environment Agency. Such benefits, however, can only be realised if policy and economic incentives are in place to minimise the potential negative impacts of bioenergy production.
EU-15 on target for Kyoto, despite mixed performances — Oct 16, 2008: The EU-15 should meet its collective target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 8 % for the period 2008–2012. Part of this decrease will come from emission reduction projects that EU countries will finance in other countries, according to a new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA).
Europe needs to intensify actions to adapt to climate change impacts — Sep 29, 2008: Increasing temperatures, changing precipitation, rising sea level, more intense and frequent extreme weather events and melting glaciers, ice sheets and Arctic sea ice are some of the challenges for Europe already triggered by global climate change, says a report released today by the European Environment Agency, the World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe and the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission.
Ireland takes a glimpse of climate change in the Arctic — Jul 08, 2008: ‘Changing Climate, Changing People’ an EEA photography exhibition by Pulitzer Prize winner photojournalist John McConnico, currently on display in Dublin, was visited by Irish minister for the Environment John Gormley today.
Greening European transport consumption: change user behaviour and set carbon targets — Jun 24, 2008: There must be a clear, ambitious target for cutting CO2 emissions from transport in Europe. Citizen behaviour, together with improved use of technologies, have a major role to play. These are just a few of the messages emerging from the seminar: “Right on track - choosing the most eco-friendly transport option” organised by the International Union of Railways (UIC) today at the European Environment Agency.
Climate change targets: 350 ppm and the EU two-degree target — Jun 23, 2008: The 350 ppm CO2 target is the focus of an international campaign announced today in several media by the Tällberg Forum. This is the follow-up to the objective proposed by the NASA Chief Scientist James Hansen and his colleagues to limit the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to 350 ppm (parts per million). The goal is to avoid global climate change with potentially very large and irreversible effects on human society and the natural environment.
EEA reports on progress in greenhouse gas emissions reductions in 2006 — Jun 18, 2008: Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the European Union decreased slightly between 2005 and 2006 according to the official inventory report prepared by the European Environment Agency (EEA). Overall emissions within the EU-27 fell by 14 million tonnes (0.3 %) and now stand 7.7 % below 1990 levels. Total emissions in the European Union were slightly more than 5.1 billion tonnes in 2006.
EEA unveils preliminary EU inventory of greenhouse gas emissions — Apr 21, 2008: Provisional greenhouse gas emissions data compiled by the EEA show that EU-15 Member States reduced their emissions by 0.9 % between 2005 and 2006. EU-27 emissions are now 7.4 % below 1990 levels.
'Our Arctic Challenge' wins audience award for best documentary — Apr 17, 2008: The European Environment Agency's documentary film 'Our Arctic Challenge' received the audience award for best documentary feature in the Oxford International Film Festival in Ohio, USA.
Become an undercover agent to defend the environment in a comic strip — Apr 16, 2008: Children can now learn about ways to protect the environment, while chasing eco-villains on the European Environment Agency's new 'Eco Agents' website, available in 24 languages.
More transparent data on EU's greenhouse gas emissions — Apr 10, 2008: The European Environment Agency presented today a new greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions viewer, where users can display emission data broken down by Member State, year and trading sector in a user-friendly interface. With this viewer, the EU Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) data become significantly more accessible for a wide range of users.
Suspend 10 percent biofuels target, says EEA's scientific advisory body — Apr 10, 2008: The EEA Scientific Committee has made public an opinion on the environmental impacts of biofuel use in Europe. The Scientific Committee recommends a new, comprehensive scientific study on the environmental risks and benefits of biofuels, and that the EU target to increase the share of biofuels used in transport to 10 % by 2020 should therefore be suspended.
President Pöttering visits the EEA: climate change — a 'shared top priority' — Apr 02, 2008: The President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pöttering, visited today the European Environment Agency, where he was welcomed by its Executive Director, Professor Jacqueline McGlade. President Pöttering had a short but lively discussion with the EEA's Management Board, chaired by Lars Erik Liljelund.
Six success stories on improving environmental performance of road transport in Europe — Mar 19, 2008: Europe's road transport has made a clear contribution to economic growth, but its environmental performance is still unacceptable. Traffic congestion, poorer air quality, noise and in particular greenhouse gas emissions are some of the key challenges effectively addressed by six initiatives identified by the European Environment Agency as success stories. Such measures should also be implemented elsewhere, but to reach intermediate and long-term climate change targets, transport demand has to be addressed as well.
Greenhouse gases: Member States shaping up reporting under the Emission Trading Scheme — Mar 13, 2008: The European Union is running the largest multi-country, multi-sector greenhouse gas Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) world-wide. A report presented today by the European Environment Agency shows that the implementation of the ETS is improving. For the reporting year 2007, all Member States have delivered information on their experience in accordance with Article 21 of the Emissions Trading Directive.
Witness climate change in the Arctic: watch 'Our Arctic Challenge' — Mar 12, 2008: 'Our Arctic Challenge' is now available on DVD. Please contact the EEA Information Centre to obtain a copy for personal and educational use.
EU fails to curb emissions from transport: dramatic improvements and clear targets needed — Mar 03, 2008: The transport sector in the EU must apply rigorous measures to help Europe meet its greenhouse gas emission targets, says a new report published by the European Environment Agency.
Danish civil society debates EU climate proposals — Jan 31, 2008: Just a week after the launch in Brussels of the European Commission's climate change and energy package, EEA hosted a high-level debate with EU officials and representatives of the Danish industry and civil society organisations.
Improved waste management delivering climate benefits — Jan 31, 2008: Improved waste management is already contributing to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, according to a new EEA study launched today at the international conference on waste and climate change in London.
Climate action and renewable energy package a major step forward — Jan 24, 2008: Professor Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director of the European Environment Agency (EEA), highlights the importance of the Climate action and renewable energy package unveiled yesterday by the European Commission in Brussels.
Counting the cost of climate change — Dec 19, 2007: The future economic costs of climate change — known as the costs of inaction — will be significant in Europe, says a new European Environment Agency (EEA) report, released today.
EU within reach of Kyoto targets — Nov 27, 2007: The EU-15 can meet, and may even over-shoot, its 2012 Kyoto target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 8 % below 1990 levels if Member States implement now all additional policies being planned, according to a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA), released today in Copenhagen.
Our Arctic Challenge — Nov 26, 2007: His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark was guest of honour at a preview of the new EEA documentary, 'Our Arctic Challenge'. Filmed over 10 days in July 2007, the film follows an EEA team as it participates in the Extreme Arctic Team Challenge – an annual adventure race based on the island of Ammasalik, East Greenland.
IPCC report calls for immediate action on climate change — Nov 19, 2007: The latest report from the Nobel-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) underlines the need for immediate mitigation and adaptation measures according to Professor Jacqueline Mc Glade, Executive Director of the EEA.
Al Gore and IPCC win Nobel Peace Prize — Oct 12, 2007: The EEA is thrilled with the decision of the Norwegian Nobel Committee on awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Al Gore and the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 'This is great news for us all, climate change has topped the world news for some years now, through the IPCC's regular reports and others that alongside with Al Gore have lead a tireless climate change awareness campaign. The rapid melting of the Arctic is putting great pressure on how to proceed with a more ambitious plan after Kyoto and I look forward to seeing how countries like the United States, China and India will commit to addressing this problem!', says Professor Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director of the EEA.
Experience 'Changing Climate — Changing People' during The Night of Culture in Copenhagen 2007 — Oct 09, 2007: For the second year in a row, the European Environment Agency in Copenhagen opens its doors to the public during The Night of Culture on Friday 12 October. In recognition of the International Polar Year, climate change and the impact on the Arctic is the overall theme.
No technical obstacles to bringing international aviation and shipping under post-Kyoto Protocol — Oct 08, 2007: Emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) from international aviation and maritime transport could be included in a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, according to a workshop in Oslo last week.
Major step in protecting the ozone layer — Sep 28, 2007: World governments meeting in Montreal last week agreed to freeze production of the ozone depleting substances hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in 2013 and bring forward the final phase-out date of these chemicals by ten years. Industrialised countries also pledged to provide 'stable and sufficient' funds to help developing countries meet the accelerated phase-out deadline.
EEA staff walking the walk during European Mobility Week — Sep 18, 2007: This week is the European Mobility Week and the staff of the European Environment Agency in Copenhagen is looking at ways to reduce the number of missions, and to do the daily commuting in an environmentally friendly way. A recent survey among staff showed that 53 % of them walk or cycle to get to work and many others walk or cycle in combination with public transport. None of the staff members responding to the survey use only their car for daily commuting, and merely 10 % use their car in combination with public transport.
EEA takes on the ‘Siku Extreme Arctic Challenge’ — Jul 24, 2007: Two EEA teams have travelled to Greenland to participate in the gruelling Siku Extreme Arctic Challenge (SEAC) . Over five days, they will cover more than 250 km of the toughest terrain east Greenland offers.
Planning to tackle climate change — Jul 02, 2007: 'While the worst effects of climate change may not hit Europe for many years we must prepare now. Climate change will have profound effects on our natural resources and will also change the way we go about our daily lives. We will not only lose biodiversity but also large parts of our territory, for example low-lying coastal areas and river basins as sea levels rise,' said EEA Executive Director, Professor Jacqueline McGlade, at the ESPACE initiative in London on Friday.
EU greenhouse gas emissions decrease in 2005 — Jun 15, 2007: Emissions of climate-changing greenhouse gases (GHG) decreased between 2004 and 2005, according to the annual GHG inventory report of the European Community prepared by the European Environment Agency (EEA), in Copenhagen. The report, 'Annual European Community Greenhouse gas inventory 1990-2005 and inventory report 2007', was submitted to the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as the European Community's official submission. The EEA released the main, preliminary, messages of the report in May 2007 because of public and political interest in the issue of climate change. The final version of this report was submitted to the UNFCCC on 27 May 2007.
Europeans hit by melting snow and ice — Jun 04, 2007: The United Nations Environment Programme's global outlook for ice and snow report, released today, shows how Europeans will be hit by a reduction in ice and snow both on the continent and in remote regions like the Arctic.
Europe's nature changing rapidly due to climate change — May 22, 2007: Europe's biodiversity is already responding to climate change. 'Many species are already on the move, expanding northwards as temperatures rise,' says Prof. Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director of the EEA on the occasion of the celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity and the theme of 'biodiversity and climate change'.
Climate change the main environmental concern of European youth — May 09, 2007: More environmental education, alternative sources of energy and stricter transportation laws are some of the proposals put forth by Europe's next generations of policy-makers and voters. 9 May, Europe day, commemorates the speech the French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman gave 57 years ago, advocating closer European cooperation. Europe day has a particularly special meaning this year as we also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Rome Treaty. Curious as to how the future policy-makers and voters feel about Europe's environment, the EEA's communication team interviewed young Europeans.
EU greenhouse gas emissions drop in 2005 — May 07, 2007: Emissions of climate-changing greenhouse gases (GHG) decreased between 2004 and 2005, according to preliminary data from a forthcoming EEA report. The report, 'Annual European Community greenhouse gas inventory 1990-2005 and inventory report 2007', was submitted to the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as the European Community’s official submission on 14 April. It will be officially launched in mid-June 2007.
Action now on climate change makes economic sense — May 04, 2007: The latest IPCC report on climate change estimates that there are only two decades to implement effective greenhouse gas reduction measures to control and limit global temperature increases. 'The sooner we act, the more effective and cost efficient efforts at controlling climate change will be,' said Professor Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director of the EEA.
Asia and Europe — cooperating on climate change — Apr 23, 2007: Closer, more effective cooperation in tackling global climate change will be one of the topics under discussion today as the EEA hosts a panel discussion amongst Asian and European experts in climate change policy.
IPCC report — climate change impacts are a fact of life — Apr 06, 2007: Europe must take the lead in adapting to the impacts of climate change according to Professor Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director of the EEA. Speaking after the launch of a report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which outlines the likely impacts of climate change, Professor McGlade stressed that effective action would need to be coordinated at the highest level. She also called on Europe to set an example. 'Europe sees itself as a leader in terms of setting targets and establishing policies for the mitigation of climate change. We also now need to lead on adaptation if we are to make a successful transition to the changing environment,' she said.
Implementation of Emissions Trading Scheme still not fully aligned — Feb 26, 2007: Further alignment of operating procedures of the Emissions Trading Scheme is still possible, according to a report released by the European Environment Agency today. The report, 'Application of the Emissions Trading Directive by EU Member States' also says that in many cases it has been difficult for Member States to stick to the time table for reporting and verification.
Transport - bottom of the Kyoto class again — Feb 26, 2007: Greenhouse gas emissions from transport remain a key, but avoidable, obstacle to the EU reaching its Kyoto climate change targets, according to a new European Environment Agency (EEA) report, released in Copenhagen today.
EEA fuels debate on adapting water policies to climate change — Feb 13, 2007: Climate change needs to be mainstreamed into water quality, water availability and flooding policies and strategies, according to a new EEA report. The report 'Climate change and water adaptation issues', says that existing adaptive measures are not sufficient, and are concentrated in flood defences.
Proof of climate change 'unequivocal' — Feb 02, 2007: A new UN report, written by a panel of senior scientists from around the world, says that the proof of climate change is 'unequivocal'. The report, 'Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis', the latest report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), was released in Paris on Friday, February 2.
Pressure increases on Arctic environment — Jan 25, 2007: 'The Arctic region provides the industrialised world with an opportunity to turn rhetoric into practice in terms of sustainable development, resource sharing and restrained resource use', Professor Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director of the EEA, told an invited audience at the Arctic Frontiers Conference in Tromsø, Norway.
The European Community submits its initial report under the Kyoto Protocol — Dec 19, 2006: 'The European Community's initial report under the Kyoto Protocol', a new EEA report, sets the maximum amount of greenhouse gases the EU-15 can emit between 2008-2012 (excluding the Kyoto mechanisims). The report constitutes the main part of the European Community’s submission of its initial report to the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
EEA welcomes the Stern review — Nov 01, 2006: The Stern review, a UK government report, suggests that the cost of climate change will be enormous if we do not take strong global action now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
EU must take immediate action on Kyoto targets — Oct 27, 2006: All Member States must seriously tackle greenhouse gas emissions immediately, if the EU-15 is to meet its collective Kyoto target, a new European Environment Agency (EEA) report states.
'An Inconvenient Truth' - EEA film review — Sep 08, 2006: "Al Gore's film 'An Inconvenient Truth' is remarkable in its simplicity and clarity of messages," says an EEA climate change expert lucky enough to get a sneak preview. "The film shows Al Gore travelling the world with a slideshow setting out key causes, effects and solutions to global climate change." "Gore clearly shows the evidence that the increase in global temperature over the last 100 years is, to a large extent, due to greenhouse gas emissions from human activity. He then presents the three 'causes': population, technology and barriers to new thinking." Read the full review here:
The inconvenient truth and you — Sep 05, 2006: This week, as Al Gore and his blockbuster documentary, ‘An Inconvenient Truth’, arrive in Europe, climate change is again making waves around the world. The film, essentially a multimedia, whistle-stop tour of the likely causes and impacts of climate change, concludes that the issue is no longer simply an environmental or political issue. Rather, Gore says, it is the biggest single challenge facing our global civilization. So what can we do?
New web-based air pollution monitoring system — Jul 18, 2006: Ozone Web, a new internet tool, released in Copenhagen today by the European Environment Agency (EEA), offers users the opportunity to monitor and track ground level ozone incidents on a pan-European scale, for the first time.
EU greenhouse gas emissions increase for second year in a row — Jun 22, 2006: Emissions of climate-changing greenhouse gases (GHG) from the EU-25 increased by 18 million tonnes (0.4 %) between 2003 and 2004. Emissions from the EU-15 increased by 11.5 million tonnes (0.3 %) in the same period. These figures, released today, are contained in the latest GHG inventory report from the European Environment Agency (EEA), based in Copenhagen.
Europe feels the heat as climate change tops the list of environmental challenges — Nov 29, 2005: Policy makers, businesses and individuals must act now on a range of environmental matters or pay a heavy price later
Europe can reach a low emissions future — Jun 29, 2005: The European Environment Agency in Copenhagen has identified pathways to achieve Europe's contribution to a global climate change target.
Increased power production drives EU greenhouse gas emissions up in 2003 — Jun 21, 2005: Emissions of climate-changing greenhouse gases from the European Union have increased in 2003, after having fallen in 2002. Emissions in the 15 old member states (EU-15) increased by 53 million tonnes (1.3%) between 2002 and 2003.Total EU-25 emissions increased by 1.5%, says the latest annual report on greenhouse gas emissions from the European Environment Agency.
Europe needs adaptation strategies to limit climate change impacts — Aug 18, 2004: More frequent and more economically costly storms, floods, droughts and other extreme weather. Wetter conditions in northern Europe but drier weather in the south that could threaten agriculture in some areas. More frequent and more intense heatwaves, posing a lethal threat to the elderly and frail. Melting glaciers, with three-quarters of those in the Swiss Alps likely to disappear by 2050. Rising sea levels for centuries to come.
EU15 greenhouse gas emissions decline after two years of increases — Jul 15, 2004: Emissions of climate-changing greenhouse gases from the European Union have fallen slightly after two years of increase, taking the EU a small step closer to its target of an 8% cut within the next eight years.
Latest trends show need for more environmental action in key sectors — Jun 01, 2004: Evidence of climate change is growing; nitrate pollution from farming continues; much of Europe's urban population is still exposed to air pollution above health protection levels; packaging waste is increasing and is projected to continue doing so. These are among the main findings of the EEA's latest annual survey of environmental trends in its 31 member countries., EEA Signals 2004, published today.
Domestic measures taken or planned so far are insufficient to meet EU climate emissions targets, projections show — Dec 02, 2003: The European Union and many of its Member States will fail to meet their Kyoto Protocol targets for limiting greenhouse gas emissions on the basis of the domestic policies and measures implemented or planned so far, according to new projections compiled by the European Environment Agency.
Most of central and eastern Europe on track to meet Kyoto targets — Dec 02, 2003: Seven of the central and eastern European countries that plan to join the European Union are on track to achieve their targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions under the Kyoto climate change protocol, in most cases by a wide margin, their latest projections show.
Summer 2003 ozone pollution hits high; levels could recur for several more years — Oct 24, 2003: Harmful ozone pollution was the worst for almost a decade in large parts of Europe this summer, particularly during the long August heatwave, according to a preliminary assessment by the European Environment Agency.
Summer 2002 smog levels exceed critical threshold three days in four — Oct 16, 2002: Levels of potentially harmful ground-level ozone exceeded a critical threshold somewhere in Europe on more than three days out of four this summer, according to preliminary information compiled by the European Environment Agency
Summer smog levels exceed critical threshold on two days in three — Oct 26, 2001: This report provides a first evaluation of ground-level ozone pollution in Europe during spring and summer 2001. Based on data submitted to the European Commission under the EU Directive on air pollution by ozone, it details observed exceedances of the Directive's thresholds for information and warning of the population in 25 European countries
EU greenhouse gas emissions down 4%, more cuts needed - EEA — Apr 23, 2001: The 15 European Union countries recorded a 4.0% reduction between 1990 and 1999 in their combined emissions of the six "greenhouse" gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol on climate change