European forest ecosystems: key allies in sustainable development
The fundamental and changing value of forests Forest ecosystems are a precious resource. Hosting biodiversity, purifying air and water, and supplying livelihoods for communities are among their many benefits for society and well-being. Approximately 10% of the EU-27’s annual greenhouse gas emissions are absorbed and stored in forest...
Managing air quality in Europe
Air quality remains a persistent problem in Europe, harming health and ecosystems. This briefing reviews the status of countries’ air quality plans, put in place for situations where air pollution limits are exceeded. It also identifies the sources behind such exceedances. The assessment covers 21 EU Member States, as well as Norway...
With people and for people: Innovating for sustainability
Innovation is both a primary source of systemic environmental and sustainability challenges and an essential element in society’s response to such challenges. Technological innovation, which is a policy priority across Europe, has historically been a major ‘driver of change’ for society and the ecosphere. Although technological...
HOW SMART FARMING COULD HELP OLIVE FARMERS SAVE WATER
Cutting edge-technologies can make a difference for olive farmers in Crete Olive farming plays a key role for the economy of Crete, Greece’s biggest island. It also requires vast amounts of water: agriculture accounts for around 85% of Crete’s freshwater consumption, and olive farming represents a large part of these activities....
Beyond Paris: making low-carbon economy happen
Last December in Paris, the world set itself an ambitious target: limiting the global average temperature rise well below 2 degrees, while aiming to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. At the G20 summit earlier this month, China and the United States announced their formal commitment to join the Paris...
