About: environment
German farmers will ‘have to declare bankruptcy’ if CAP direct payments are capped
From 2021, the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is intended to be more closely linked to environmental requirements. But this could lead to large conventional farms facing existential threats. EURACTIV Germany reports.
French financial sector poorly accounts for climate risks, says Bank of France
In a note published on Friday (25 October), the Bank of France noted that the risks associated with climate change are taken into account in a "partial and heterogeneous" manner by France's financial institutions. EURACTIV's partner La Tribune reports.
Bundestag wants to impose climate tax on MPs’ official trips
The Bundestag's Council of Elders decided that there should be a climate tax for the official trips of MPs, starting in 2020. For the first time, the Council has started to debate the building blocks of Germany's recently proposed climate package. EURACTIV's media partner Der Tagesspiegel reports.
The CAP has devastating effects on developing countries, report says
The EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) penalises local farmers and harms the environment. It continues to contribute to the injection of palm oil in milk powder, exports of soft wheat to the detriment of local products, as well as to the over-consumption of Latin American soy. EURACTIV France reports.
Austria committed to preserving environment, says sustainability minister
In an interview with EURACTIV Germany, Austria's Minister for Sustainability and Tourism, Maria Patek, spoke about her country's involvement in the European Green Belt Initiative, as well as her country's role as mediator for the various European environmental projects.
New generation of Champagne winegrowers pushing for ‘greener’ practices
Since the 16th century, the Gosset family has been passing on vineyards from generation to generation in the Champagne region. Today, the incoming generation is starting to implement more environmentally friendly practices. EURACTIV France reports.
Agricultural sector should focus on achieving greater yield stability, experts say
Ever since the European Commission presented its proposals for the Common Agricultural Policy for 2021, negotiations have been slow. And there is still no agreement on issues related to the environment or innovation. EURACTIV Germany takes stock of a workshop it organised about these issues on Friday (27 September).
Lyon football club attempts to reconcile sport with environment
Olympique Lyonnais' newly-built OL City complex has been designed to be more environmentally friendly, though it initially attracted criticism for requiring a longer commute. EURACTIV France reports.
Wealthy countries still failing on $100 billion climate finance pledge
In 2017, the most industrialised countries contributed a little above $70 billion to nations vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This number is far below the annual $100 billion pledged in 2009 for the following decade. EURACTIV's partner le Journal de l'environnement 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.
Fertiliser regulation: German ministers warn farmers will have to make extensive efforts
The European Commission and German agricultural and environmental ministers met in Brussels on Wednesday (28 August) to discuss the country's fertiliser regulation. It was concluded that although Germany is on the right track, it should seriously speed up its efforts and work on the text's precision. EURACTIV Germany reports.
G7 summit did little to solve global environmental crisis
Environment, biodiversity and the climate were all on the agenda during the three days of the G7 summit held on 24-26 August in Biarritz, France. However, few concrete decisions were taken. EURACTIV's partner Le Journal de l'environnement reports.
Five reasons to be optimistic about the environment
Let's face it, when it comes to the environment, there isn't much to rejoice about. So to spare you a long summer of eco-anxiety, we looked for some glimmers of hope. Here are five reasons to be optimistic.
OECD calls on members to speed up reforms, focus on innovation
In its annual growth report, the OECD painted a gloomy picture: rising inequalities, slowing growth and strong headwinds for the global market economy, notably because of trade wars. EURACTIV Germany summarised the OECD's recommendations for Europe.
Germany wants UN Security Council more involved in mitigating climate crisis
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas launched a call for action on Tuesday (4 June) that aims to develop real solutions that would mitigate the security risks of climate change. EURACTIV Germany reports.
French low-carbon label plants seeds of agricultural and forestry transition
A new label aims to encourage the emergence of projects that reduce and sequester greenhouse gas emissions. EURACTIV’s partner le Journal de l’environnement reports.
French professional League and WWF join forces to boost sustainability in football
The French professional football governing body and the environmental NGO WWF signed a partnership in April to reduce the ecological footprint of football clubs.
European voters more concerned by living costs, less by migration
A new study reveals that migration is not the primary concern of European voters who are more concerned with national issues such as corruption, unemployment or costs of living. EURACTIV France reports.
French investigation shines light on Amazon mass destruction of goods
The global e-commerce giant Amazon has been hit with claims that it has destroyed up to three million unsold products from French warehouses over the past year. The news comes a week after Amazon became the world's most valuable public company in terms of market value.
The EU finally provides legal framework for organic and recycled fertilisers
The Commission, Council and Parliament have agreed to facilitate the use of organic fertilisers, for which there has been no regulatory framework so far. Fertilisers will also have to contain less heavy metal in the future.
France continues fight against ‘gold plating’ of EU laws
French senators have removed around 20 over-transpositions of EU directives, which are considered to harm businesses’ competitiveness. This was part of a “tidying-up” mission which is sometimes at odds with the public interest. EURACTIV France reports.
60% of living species declined due to human activity, warns WWF
The ways in which humans feed, fuel and finance modern societies is pushing the planet’s natural systems to the brink, threatening the very foundation on which the world economy is based, according to the WWF’s Living Planet Report 2018, published on Tuesday (30 October).
Governments lack policies to support food sector in low carbon transition – report
Unlike the energy sector, agriculture does not benefit from public policies geared towards a low carbon transition, which means farming is still a significant contributor to climate change due to meat over-consumption, a new report published on 16 October revealed.