Why Europe needs to stay the course to sustainability - EEA Newsletter December

 

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Our quarterly update on Europe's environment European Environment Agency's Newsletter, Issue 04/2024

Why Europe needs to stay the course to sustainability in a changing world   The stakes could not be higher. Climate change is not a distant or theoretical threat — it is here. The past two years have been a stark reminder of this reality, with 2023 clocking in as the hottest year on record, only soon to be surpassed by 2024.   From unprecedented flooding in Valencia and central Europe to droughts across southern Europe, the warning signs are clear: we must act now. Beyond the human suffering — which has no price — all of these events show that the cost of inaction far greater than the cost of taking action now.

Leena Ylä-Mononen EEA Executive Director

Read the editorial

Interview International cooperation to strengthen biodiversity   "At IPBES-11, key discussions focus on the interconnections between biodiversity loss and water, food, health, and climate change (as highlighted in the Nexus Report). Another central theme is the need for transformative change to address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss (Transformative Change Assessment). These topics align well with developments in Europe and the EEA’s work. " Interview with Frank Wugt Larsen, EEA Expert on biodiversity knowledge and networks.

Read full interview

In the spotlight: Impacts of air pollution on health and nature

The impacts of air pollution exposure remain high across Europe

Almost 240,000 deaths per year in the European Union can be attributed to exposure to fine particulate matter, a key air pollutant, according to the latest European Environment Agency (EEA) air quality health impact assessment published as the new EU rules enter into force. The latest data also confirm, yet again, that Europeans remain exposed to air pollutant concentrations considerably above recommended World Health Organization (WHO) levels. A separate assessment also found that nearly three quarters of Europe’s ecosystems are exposed to damaging levels of air pollution.

More about the impacts of air pollution

Latest indicators   The EEA published 38 indicators in the last quarter. Check them out by clicking on your topics of interest.

Sustainability

Climate change

Environment and health

Agriculture and food

Biodiversity and nature

Transport and mobility

Upcoming events

European maritime transport environmental report - Launch conference

4 February 2025, Lisbon and online

Save the date: The European Maritime Safety Agency and the European Environment Agency will launch the second edition of the European Maritime Transport Environmental Report (EMTER 2025) at an hybrid event. More information will be available in January.

Building Europe's Green Economy

5 February 2025, Brussels and online

How can the energy transition drive growth and cohesion? At the International Energy Policy Forum 2025, the EEA will be represented by Eva Jensen, Head of Climate Change, Energy and Transport.  Read more

European Sustainable Energy Week

10-12 June 2025, Brussels and online

The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) Policy Conference is the biggest conference dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use in Europe. The 19th edition of the Policy Conference will take place in a hybrid format.  Read more

Please check regularly our dedicated page on the EEA website as more events will be organised in May and follow our LinkedIn to watch our live "Ask an expert" sessions.

Catch up on the latest news from Q4 2024

Image ©Bilal Akbulut, Urban Treasures / EEA

Over 500,000 children’s reading skills impaired by transport noise in Europe   Read more

Image ©Paula Sierra, Urban Treasures / EEA

’Forever chemicals’ found above threshold levels in many water bodies in Europe   Read more

Image ©Dobány Zoltán, Urban Treasures / EEA

Improving recycling quality will support circular economy   Read more

Image ©Murat Doğan, Well with Nature /EEA

Improving health and resilience of waters in Europe   Read more

Image ©  Paul Lugowski, NATURE@work /EEA

Impacts of heat on health: over half EEA countries monitor and take action on heat and health   Read more

Image ©  Tim Laws, WaterPIX /EEA

Managing the growth of offshore wind energy and marine ecosystem protection in Europe   Read more

Image ©  Alexandra-Raluca Huluba, Picture2050 /EEA

Tackling pollution and energy poverty key to reducing chronic respiratory disease in Europe   Read more

Image ©  Arif Miletli, Sustainably Yours /EEA

Ensuring justice in Europe’s sustainability transition   Read more

Image ©  Desmond McCormack, Climate Change PIX /EEA

EEA Trends and Projections: EU greenhouse gas emissions see significant drop in 2023   Read more

Image ©  Sabine Bunse, Well with Nature /EEA

Biodiversity-friendly farming practices can help build sustainable, resilient agriculture   Read more

Image ©  Stefano Scagliarini, My City /EEA

Pollution, over-use and climate change threaten water resilience in Europe   Read more

Image ©  Emilia Tatrai, My City /EEA

Transport in Europe: Some signs of progress but difficult journey ahead to sustainability   Read more

Image ©  Jorunn Valle, ZeroWaste PIX / EEA

Understanding the data — what drives our material footprint?   Read more

Image © Jacopo Scudellari, My City /EEA

Renovations, sustainable building materials can boost Europe’s green transition   Read more

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