Science & Policymaking
Wildlife populations fell 68% since 1970s, new WWF report warns
The way humanity produces food, energy and goods is destroying the habitats of thousands of wildlife species, causing plunging population sizes and contributing to the emergence of diseases such as COVID-19, according to WWF’s Living Planet Report 2020, released on Thursday (10 September).
EU ban on neonicotinoids must be ‘strictly respected’, says Green MEP
After announcing €30 billion in support of an ecological transition last Thursday, the French government presented a controversial bill authorising an exemption from the ban on neonicotinoid insecticides, a class of pesticides suspected to be harmful to bees. German Green MEP Martin Häusling explains to EURACTIV FRANCE why he is challenging the decision.
EU microplastics ban needs to aim smaller, advisers say
A draft EU ban on microplastics would allow industry to use even smaller particles in cosmetics, detergents and paints, which could be more damaging than the tiny pieces of plastic already clogging up the natural world, campaigners and some EU advisers say.
Insurers call for more proactive EU climate change adaptation plans
The European Union's strategy to adapt to the risks of climate change needs to be much more proactive and ambitious in order to reduce the risk of natural disasters such as flooding, insurers said in response to a consultation on the issue.
Young activists call on Merkel to boost commitments on climate change
Key members of the "Fridays for Future" (FFF) movement in Berlin called on German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) on Thursday (20 August) to become more involved in the fight against global warming after what was described as a "friendly" meeting. EURACTIV France reports.
Is nickel sustainable in electrical vehicle batteries?
Electric vehicles are becoming more popular and attractive as prices fall and charging infrastructure becomes more widespread. Dr Mark Mistry explains what factors affect the sustainability of one of the most important ingredients in a car's battery: nickel.
Navigating the road ahead for battery tech
Europe's climate agenda and willingness to tag its virus-recovery efforts to green objectives mean that electric-battery technology is due for a great decade.
Why the European Green Deal needs strong methane regulations
Oil and gas companies throughout the supply chain need to do much more to bring down methane emissions immediately. And they can, writes Maarten Wetselaar.
Finnish MEP: ‘Political fight begins’ over Europe’s old-growth forests
The forests in Europe that can be considered “old growth” – and therefore declared protected areas – depends on the definition, says Petri Sarvamaa. “And that’s where the political fight begins,” he told EURACTIV in an interview.
Human impact on wildlife to blame for spread of viruses, says study
Hunting, farming and the global move of people to cities has led to massive declines in biodiversity and increased the risk of dangerous viruses like COVID-19 spilling over from animals to humans, a major study has concluded. EURACTIV's media partner, The Guardian, reports.
Emergence from emergency: The case for a holistic economic recovery plan
If you think the coronavirus is scary – it’s only the training day for what will happen if we don’t stop the climate crisis: Global warming is far more dangerous, write members of The Club of Rome.
Climate change will still be a threat after COVID-19 is gone
Governments around the world are demonstrating – all too evidently – that they are unable to tackle two major crises at once, writes Jonathan Gornall.
Committee of the Regions welcomes Green group for the first time
For the first time, the EU's Committee of the Regions has enough Green members to form their own group. The group, who already met on Tuesday (11 February), is keen to have good relations with the other groups but also wants to "exert pressure". EURACTIV Germany reports.
Sinkevicius: Dealing with PFAS chemicals in revised tap water rules was a ‘great move’
The inclusion of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the EU's Drinking Water Directive was a step forward that showed the EU's commitment to address these chemicals, Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius told EURACTIV.
Frontier Research: Creating Pathways to Sustainability
This conference covered relevant research supported by the European Research Council (ERC) and provided a networking forum for ERC-funded researchers as well as policy-makers.
A Sustainable Future for Europe – The Contribution of Frontier Research
Launched in February 2007 to fund investigator-driven frontier research, the ERC is a key component of the EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.
Europe’s industrial value chains: The road to prosperity and growth
In the immense challenge of deploying green technologies and expanding the use of renewable energy, strengthening the technological revolution, and further developing artificial intelligence and the internet of things, raw materials will become indispensable for Europe’s digital transformation and climate transition.
EU to assess five critical minerals in low carbon quest
The European Commission is assessing five new minerals for possible inclusion in a revised list of critical raw materials to be published next year, as it seeks to bolster supply chains for a low emissions economy, a senior Commission official said.
Cities will be key in the fight against climate change, UN chief says
Mayors from all over the world are meeting in Copenhagen this week for the C40 World Mayors Summit. They have gathered to fight the so-called 'climate urgency' and are calling for a "Green New Deal" to be implemented worldwide. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Why Europe’s battery value chain needs regulatory certainty – now
Green mobility and - linked to it - batteries are a top priority for the EU. A wide range of activities are up and running. But what is industry missing? There is a need for consistent and predictable regulation to provide planning security for long term investments.
French researchers forecast more intensified global warming
According to new forecasts, the target laid out in the Paris Climate Agreement of 1.5 degrees Celsius could be out of reach, while temperature increases might even reach 6 or 7°C by 2100. EURACTIV France reports.
Scientist: ‘I’m pretty sure we will need carbon removal technologies’
Sucking CO2 from the air to mitigate global warming may sound silly at first, but it’s likely to be necessary nonetheless, says Nils Røkke. And the more we delay it, the higher will be the demand for carbon removal technologies in the future, he warns.
Cost-benefit analysis does not work well for wicked problems like climate change
What is the monetary value of being able to breathe in Beijing or New Delhi without discomfort? Beyond the simple numerical challenges, cost-benefit analysis has an inherent ethical blind spot, writes Kevin Noone.