Ocean Energy
EU’s offshore renewable energy strategy taking shape
The European Commission is preparing a strategy to harness the various forms of energy that the oceans and seas can provide, including from wind, waves and tides.
Thinning of the Arctic ‘unprecedented for at least 1,000 years’ – IPCC report
The Arctic has lost around 12.8% of its surface area every decade between 1979 and 2018, which is "likely unprecedented for at least 1,000 years" and could shrink even more if no action is taken, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). EURACTIV's partner le Journal de l'environnement reports.
IPCC drastically increases its forecasts for world’s rise in sea levels
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) presented its special report on the oceans and ice caps today (24 September). Although climate scientists have, once again, drastically increased their sea-level rise forecasts to one metre by 2100, there is still time for action. EURACTIV Germany reports.
First ‘millennial’ Commissioner to address challenges for Generation Z
Putting the youngest ever Commissioner-designate in charge of managing the most fearful threats for future generations of Europeans, such as environment protection and oceans' conservation, is the biggest gamble Ursula von der Leyen took in composing her team.
Why the ocean should be on the G7 agenda
Surfrider Europe, a French organisation fighting for clean oceans, is organising an event ahead of the G7 summit in France. The aim is to call for incorporating ocean protection into international negotiations, particularly those concerning climate change. EURACTIV's partner la Tribune reports.
Pierre Yves Cousteau: Let’s learn from Ancient Greece about environment
Eight million tonnes of plastic leaks into the oceans and seas per year, resulting in the reduction of at least 600 species, at an annual cost of $80 million to European fishermen. However, there is a way out and it can be found in the past, according to the son of the great ocean explorer, Pierre Yves Cousteau. Euractiv.gr reports.
EU rules out tax on plastic products to reduce waste
EU opts for public awareness campaign on the impacts of plastics on the environment saying a tax would not be sustainable, reports EURACTIV's media partner, The Guardian.
Tidal power world record broken off Scottish coast
August was a record-breaking month for Scottish tidal energy, after a power station managed to generate 700 megawatt-hours of electricity. Studies show that tidal power could supply nearly half of Scotland’s power needs.
Belgium and France join war on plastics
Ten countries have pledged their allegiance to the United Nation’s war on ocean plastics.
Deal struck for world’s biggest marine reserve in Antarctica
The world's largest marine reserve aimed at protecting the pristine wilderness of Antarctica will be created after a "momentous" agreement was finally reached Friday, with Russia dropping its long-held opposition.
Microplastics should be banned in cosmetics to save oceans, British MPs say
Cosmetics companies must be banned from using plastic microbeads in scrubs, toothpaste and beauty products because of the marine pollution they are causing, say a group of MPs.
The untapped energy potential of the seas
Floating wind turbines and tidal lagoons are excellent examples of disregarded and underused technologies that are unquestionably advantageous for countries with large swathes of coastline, like France. EURACTIV’s partner La Tribune reports.
Pacific islands demand easier access to climate finance
SPECIAL REPORT / "The waves will not wait for the funding to be allocated before flooding our islands," the small islands of the Pacific have warned. But climate finance is often beyond their reach. EURACTIV France reports.
EU regions’ leadership in Ocean Energy under threat
European regions in the United Kingdom, France, and Ireland are world leaders in pioneering ocean energy, but risk losing that status to international competitors, unless public support for the technology is stepped up.
Oceans’ role highlighted as global warming ‘regulator’
The Ocean and Climate Platform, a civil society group, has launched an appeal to recognise the vital role played by oceans in regulating global warming ahead of the COP 21 UN climate talks in Paris later this year. EURACTIV France reports.
EU to halve plastic bag use by 2019
The European Parliament passed a law on 28 April to drastically cut down on single-use plastic bags. EURACTIV France reports.
Campaign highlights biodiversity cost of plastic bags
Yesterday (3 July) marked International Bag Free Day, but most of the world continues to use light-weight plastic bags, deemed the most harmful to the environment.
Top EU maritime official warns against ocean ‘gold rush’
The European commissioner for maritime affairs, Maria Damanaki, has called at the World Ocean Summit for businesses to see the oceans as an economic resource but has warned against a “frenzied gold rush”.
EU action plan for ocean energy set to make waves
EXCLUSIVE / The European Commission will today (20 January) announce an ocean energy action plan to set an energy forum and strategic roadmap in place by 2016, and ready a European Industrial Initiative for implementation by 2020.
Russian ‘fishing interests’ threaten bid for Antarctic conservation area
EXCLUSIVE / A vote today (16 July) on whether to declare a marine protection area over an Antarctic body of water seven times the size of Germany is hanging in the balance due to Russian and Ukrainian fishing interests, the head of a European delegation to the talks has told EURACTIV.
Baltic bacteria outbreak blamed on sea warming
Manmade climate change is the main driver behind the unexpected emergence of a group of bacteria in Northern Europe which can cause gastroenteritis, new research by a group of international experts shows.
German researchers say Pacific will dilute Fukushima radiation
Radioactivity in the Pacific Ocean from the Fukushima nuclear disaster has peaked and will dilute rapidly, according to a study by Germany’s Geomar Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research.
EU countries urged to halve marine waste by 2020
Environmentalists are calling on European countries to achieve a minimum 50% reduction in marine waste as part of commitments they must make under EU law.
