Sustainable Development
Forest accounting rules put EU’s climate credibility at risk
Forest mitigation should be measured using a scientifically-objective approach, not allowing countries to hide the impacts of policies that increase net emissions, writes a group of environmental scientists led by Dr Joanna I House.
Commission must double efforts towards a sustainable financial system
The European Commission is taking steps towards a more sustainable financial system in Europe, but must double its efforts to create a truly resilient system that Europe needs, writes Anne van Schaik.
EU takes the helm in a year of ocean mobilisation
2017 will be remembered as the turning point in how the international community works together to protect the ocean, write Karmenu Vella and Isabella Lövin.
Energy islands: Symbols of transformation and independence
Malta epitomises the value of islands in leading the transition to cleaner sources of energy, and ultimately in symbolising the potential for energy independence, writes Stuart Reigeluth.
Campaigners push to hitch tobacco control onto sustainable development agenda
Anti-tobacco campaigners from across Europe today (31 May) called on their national governments to use the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals to drive forward tobacco control legislation.
EU nations set to define new era of food waste policy
A trialogue between the European Council, Commission and Parliament commenced on Wednesday (31 May) to set out the policy frameworks for the next 14 years of European food waste action plans, and campaigners are urging the negotiators to "up their ambition". EURACTIV's media partner edie.net reports.
EU has opportunity to seize global leadership on forests and climate
Former 'climate heroes’ France, Finland, Sweden and Austria are fighting tooth and nail to weaken EU land accounting rules, also known as the Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) Regulation, writes Hannah Mowat.
Sustainable economic reconstruction holds the ‘key’ to Europe’s future
As our world slides down the slippery road of demagoguery and hate-driven politics, now is the time for Europe to rise from its own deep crisis and be the global leader we all need, writes Demetres Karavellas.
Primeval forest risks sparking new EU-Poland clash
The EU warned Poland on Thursday (27 April) it may take legal action to stop logging in a UNESCO World Heritage forest, risking a new clash with Warsaw's right-wing government.
Palm oil production, development and the environment
Europe’s well-meaning attempts to improve the sustainability of palm oil production may be having the opposite effect, writes Hiroko Shimizu.
Member states need to agree on a strong Circular Economy Package
Following the European Parliament’s adoption of the proposed amendments on 14 March, the negotiations on the EU Circular Economy Package have now entered their final phase. NABU urges Europe to set strong targets, not watered-down goals.
Germany opposes key EU car emission test reforms
Germany is opposing key elements of a European Union proposal to overhaul how car engine emissions are tested for pollution, a document seen by Reuters showed, as Brussels attempts to prevent a repeat of the Volkswagen emissions scandal.
Most global investors recognise financial risk of climate change, report finds
For the first time a majority of global investor heavyweights recognise the financial risks of climate change, according to the results of a major global index rating how investors manage such risks. EURACTIV's partner The Guardian reports.
Climate change exacerbates threat of terrorism
From South America to the Middle East, the effects of climate change appear to exacerbate the problems of organised crime and terrorism. The UN and German think tank Adelphi have raised the alarm. EURACTIV France reports.
Energy poverty: A blight on the EU
For something that blights the lives of between 50 and 125 million European citizens it is strange to discover that there is no EU-wide definition of 'energy poverty', writes Adrian Joyce.
Only healthier diets can tackle climate change, experts claim
Governments are “trapped” by lobbyists, and it’s hard to fight climate change. But if young people are mobilised and turn to healthy lifestyles, there is hope, according to scientists. EURACTIV.com reports from Lyon.
Pressure grows on Commission to change environment law after UN rebuke
EXCLUSIVE/ Green campaigners today (27 March) heaped more pressure on the European Commission to change EU law to make it easier for NGOs to bring lawsuits over EU environment policy.
Leaked paper exposes EU countries’ abuse of climate loophole
EXCLUSIVE/ European Union countries exploited loopholes in United Nations forestry rules to pocket carbon credits worth €600 million and the equivalent of global-warming emissions from 114 million cars.
Recyclables must be collected separately for circular economy to succeed, says panel
Separate collection of recyclable materials is the key to a successful circular economy, but some member states struggle to put the necessary infrastructure in place, policymakers told a EURACTIV event held on Tuesday (21 March).
Opinion leaders identify seven pillars for ‘better’ EU action
CIVICO-Europa, an informal group set up by opinion leaders and later supported by politicians, presented today (20 March) a manifesto for the future of Europe, based on “doing much better together”, rather than the traditional way of “doing more”.
The EU budget: Unlocking a new vision for Europe
The key to unlocking a more inspiring and politically winnable New Vision for a strong Europe may well be the next European budget, writes David Holyoake.
Cleaning up the oceans is no solution to our plastic problem
Plastics have brought huge benefits to our society. But with those benefits come environmental problems. Too often, plastic ends up as waste, as marine litter polluting the oceans, or as litter on our beaches.
Wales continues to lead UK in recycling, announces circular economy fund
The Welsh government has unveiled a £6.5m (€7.5m) fund to help SMEs make the transformation towards a circular economy. The Principality leads the UK in recycling targets and would place 4th in the EU if it were a member state. EURACTIV’s partner edie.net reports.
Air pollution forces Barcelona to ban old cars from roads
Barcelona will ban cars that are older than 20 years from the roads during the week to cut traffic emissions by 30% over 15 years. EURACTIV’s partner The Guardian reports.