Highlights

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).

Climate change and flood risk in European cities

Arthur Girling — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 11:55:00 +0100

Increased flooding is likely to be one of the most serious effects from climate change in Europe over coming decades. Some of the conditions which may contribute to urban flooding are highlighted in an Eye on Earth map from the European Environment Agency (EEA).

Climate change evident across Europe, confirming urgent need for adaptation

Arthur Girling — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 11:00:00 +0100

Climate change is affecting all regions in Europe, causing a wide range of impacts on society and the environment. Further impacts are expected in the future, potentially causing high damage costs, according to the latest assessment published by the European Environment Agency today.

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.

How vulnerable could your city be to climate impacts?

Arthur Girling — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 10:00:00 +0200

Climate change will affect Europe's cities in different ways. To give an overall impression of the challenge for European cities to adapt to climate change, the European Environment Agency (EEA) has published a series of detailed interactive maps, allowing users to explore data from more than 500 cities across Europe.

World remains on unsustainable path – UNEP report on eve of Rio+20 Summit

Arthur Girling — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 15:30:00 +0200

The world continues to speed down an unsustainable path despite over 500 internationally agreed goals and objectives to support the sustainable management of the environment and improve human wellbeing, according to a new and wide-ranging assessment coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

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.

Major new website to assist with climate change adaptation in Europe

Arthur Girling — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 12:00:00 +0100

Climate change is already evident in Europe. Across the continent, policy makers are starting to respond to current and future impacts and risks associated with rising temperatures, changing precipitation, melting glaciers, ice and snow, rising sea levels, and more frequent and intense floods and droughts.

Environmental tax reform: increasing individual incomes and boosting innovation

Arthur Girling — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0100

European governments could simultaneously reduce income tax, increase innovation and cut pollution by introducing well-targeted environmental taxes and recycling the revenues back into the economy. This was one of the findings from a pair of reports on environmental tax reform (ETR) published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA).

COP17 climate talks: Mapping the way towards a legal framework by 2015

Arthur Girling — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:05:00 +0100

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.

New IPCC report addresses risks of extreme events and disasters

Arthur Girling — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:30:00 +0100

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.

Building better environmental policy by looking into the future

Arthur Girling — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:00:00 +0200

As we prepare for a future yet unwritten, a cascade of uncertainty presents itself - the future structure of our society and economies is uncertain; the environmental changes that may result are uncertain; and how we might react or adapt to such environmental changes is also uncertain. Against the backdrop of these and many other uncertainties, long-term analysis can help create more robust environmental policy and the space for innovative thinking.

EU greenhouse gas emissions estimated to increase in 2010, but long-term decrease expected to continue

Arthur Girling — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:30:00 +0200

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.

How will the Western Balkans shape its environmental future?

Iben Stanhardt — Wed, 12 May 2010 16:00:00 +0200

Economic development in the Western Balkan countries is putting additional strains on the environment, affecting primarily resource use, waste and biodiversity. A new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) provides a detailed analysis of the environmental pressures and forces at play and urges policy-makers to take action towards sustainable development.