Your quarterly update on Europe's Environment
European Environment Agency's Newsletter, Issue 03/2022
Summer 2022: Living in a state of multiple crises
"It seems as if we have been living through one crisis after another — a pandemic, extreme heatwaves and drought due to climate change, inflation, war, and an energy crisis. This winter is likely to be marked by continued uncertainty, high volatility in global markets like energy and food, which will affect some countries and groups more than others. Tackling these crises, especially in the long term, requires steadfast policy commitment and investments in sustainability to strengthen our societies’ resilience.
With these multiple crises impacting us, be it energy shortages, extreme weather events or rising inflation, we have no choice but to act, and act with urgency. And our actions, decisions and policies should strive to deliver a sustainable future."
Hans Bruyninckx, EEA Executive Director
Interview
Prosumers and the energy crisis: citizens contributing to Europe’s energy transition
"The potential is immense. A household can sometimes cover all their electricity needs by self-generation, especially in combination with batteries and a heat pump. Small-scale projects can usually be implemented relatively quick in response to periods of high energy prices.
In fact, we are seeing a huge demand for solar rooftop panels in the last few months. However, there are some factors limiting the speed at which prosumer projects can be deployed."
Interview with Javier Esparrago, EEA energy and environment expert
In the spotlight
EEA photo competition 2022: 'Well with Nature’
Do you take good photos? Do you enjoy spending time in nature? If your answer is ‘yes’ to both, you might have what it takes to win one of the cash prizes in the European Environment Agency’s (EEA) new ‘Well with Nature’ photo competition. Send us your best shots by 1 October 2022.
Latest indicators & datasets
Air quality
Datasets on National emissions reported to the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP Convention) and on National Emission reductions Commitments (NEC) Directive emission inventory data.
Data viewer National air pollutant emissions data viewer 1990 – 2020.
Biodiversity
Datasets on annual above ground vegetation productivity time-series and nationally designated areas.
Climate change
Indicators on global and European temperatures and ocean acidification.
Data viewer EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) data viewer.
Circular economy
Indicators on circular material use rate in Europe, Europe’s consumption footprint and Europe’s material footprint.
Data set on weighted impacts of EU consumption, 2010-2020
Water & marine environment
Indicators on status of marine fish and shellfish stocks in European seas, changes in fish distribution in European seas, chlorophyll in transitional, coastal and marine waters in Europe, hazardous substances in marine organisms in European seas and oxygen concentrations in coastal and marine waters surrounding Europe.
Upcoming events
3 - 6 October - European Space Week, Prague, Czechia
From policymakers to industry, start-ups, entrepreneurs, public authorities, investors and users, the Space Week will bring anyone interested in the EU’s Space Programme. The EEA will promote its work on Copernicus. Read more
6 -18 November - Climate COP27, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
Faced with a growing energy crisis, record greenhouse gas concentrations, and increasing extreme weather events, COP27 seeks renewed solidarity between countries, to deliver on the landmark Paris Agreement, for people and the planet. The EEA will present its work and support the EU delegation. Read more
17 -18 November - Copernicus Land User Event, Brussels, Belgium
This hybrid event will offer an opportunity to get up-to-date overviews of the CLMS service, In Situ component and learn more about using Copernicus land products. Read more
7-19 December - Biodiversity COP15 (Part 2), Montreal, Canada
The main objective of the Conference is to adopt the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. The EEA will support EU delegation and present its work. Read more
In case you missed - News from Q3 2023
European soils hold potential for stronger climate action
Europe's growing transport demand increases emissions from heavy-duty vehicles
Citizens can contribute to Europe's energy transition
Air pollution: Which European cities have the best air quality?
Circularity can enhance greenhouse gas emission savings when renovating Europe's buildings
Making Europe’s sewage treatment plants more efficient and circular can help meet zero-pollution targets
Many European schools and hospitals at risk from heat waves and floods: How to protect vulnerable groups from climate change?
