Sustainable Development
EU slapped for breaching Aarhus Convention on access to environmental justice
The European Union has accepted a UN ruling that found the bloc in breach of international laws requiring the general public to have access to justice on environmental matters, a decision applauded by green activists.
Energy and climate scenarios 2050
The EU has set a long-term goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95% by 2050. But getting there will be a huge challenge that will require a transformation of our energy system.
EU trade policy: Time to end corporate protectionism
The EU-Japan trade agreement, likely to be concluded in Brussels this week, is the latest example of an EU trade policy that benefits global corporations at the expense of people and the planet, writes Kees Kodde.
Europe urged to lead green finance agenda at G20
INTERVIEW / As the G20 opens in Hamburg this week, Europe needs to reflect on how it can push the global green finance agenda without the United States on board, said Christian Thimann, head of sustainability at French insurance group AXA who chairs an EU high-level group on sustainable finance.
AXA sustainability chief: Penalties for fossil fuel assets ‘merit close attention’
The European Commission’s High-Level Group on sustainable finance is currently looking at the pros and cons of slapping “penalties” on fossil fuel assets that may end up being stranded as investors shift to low-carbon portfolios, Christian Thimann told EURACTIV in an exclusive interview.
A sustainable Europe through business unusual
As Estonia begins its EU presidency on 1 July, business as usual won’t cut it. We need business unusual and Estonia's successful track record in the last 25 years gives us hope that it will be able to make its mark, writes Lauri Tammiste.
Does car sharing really reduce car use?
Concerns that sharing schemes do not deliver a net reduction in car use are not supported by evidence, writes Greg Archer. Now, digitisation and the sharing economy provide an opportunity to reduce the number of vehicles in our cities even further, he contends.
Sustainable development must be overarching EU objective
The EU should throw its full weight behind the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and take a global lead in its implementation. Former President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy explains why sustainable development should be the bloc's top priority.
EU budget for climate action: Time to wake the sleeping beauty
The European Commission will publish its ‘Reflection paper on the future of EU finances’ on 28 June. Against a background of renewed commitments from European leaders towards climate action, the EU budget must be reformed to comply with the requirements of the Paris Agreement, writes Markus Trilling.
Stockholm mayor: ‘Fuel poverty is non-existent in Nordic countries’
Nordic countries have relegated fuel poverty to the history books by setting legal minimum standards for heating and giving house-owners a strong incentive to invest in refurbishment, says the mayor of the Swedish capital.
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.