Editorial

"Climate change is one of the most important challenges of our time. Its impacts are felt across the globe, affecting people, nature and the economy. To mitigate climate change, we need to reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases significantly. Translating this overall objective into concrete measures requires understanding a complex system linking emissions from different sources to national and regional impacts, global governance and potential co-benefits. The European Environment Agency strives to continuously improve the knowledge needed for designing effective measures on the ground."

Hans Bruyninckx, Executive Director

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"All of us can do things to reduce our own exposure to mercury and also in preventing releases of mercury into the environment. For example, national food safety authorities often provide specific advice on how citizens can maximise the health benefits of eating fish while limiting exposure to mercury. This includes guidance on consumption of fish for pregnant women and young children."

Interview with Ian Marnane on mercury pollution and its effects, as well as on the EEA's work on this issue.  

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The WaterPIX photo competition, organised by the European Environment Agency, has reached its last stage with 49 finalist photos. A public online vote will decide the winner of the Public Choice Award. Read more

Overall efforts to reduce the use of chemicals harming the ozone layer across the European Union continued in 2017 and the EU has already achieved its goals on the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances under the Montreal Protocol, according to the latest data. Read more

Europe uses natural resources unsustainably and the European Union has put in place policies on circular economy and bioeconomy in response. A new EEA report argues that implementing these two concepts in tandem would improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental pressures. Read more

Emissions from agriculture and transport continue to pose problems for European Union Member States in meeting EU and United Nations air pollution limits, according to updated data published by the EEA. While emissions of most air pollutants remain on a downward trend, ammonia emissions continued to rise in 2016. Read more

Most national policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Europe target energy consumption and energy supply, while economic and regulatory instruments are the most common means of cutting emissions, according to an EEA report. The report also reveals that EU Member States report the actual effects and costs for only a small number of their policies and measures. Read more

Despite progress in improving the quality of Europe’s lakes, rivers, coastal waters and groundwater sources, pollution, structures like dams, and over-abstraction remain top threats to their long-term health. A vast majority of Europe’s water bodies still fail to meet the European Union’s minimum target for ‘good status’, according to EEA's ‘state of water’ report. Read more

Reuse of products can reduce material demand and prevent waste, which are important aspects of EU waste policy and essential for achieving a circular economy. However, current approaches to promote reuse in Member States are diverse and rely mostly on voluntary arrangements. While reuse is an established market model for some products, such as cars, similar practices are still in their infancy for most other product groups. Read more

Europe's freshwater and marine resources may seem limitless but they are under increasing pressure from pollution, over-exploitation and climate change. The EEA's Signals 2018 explores the state and trends of Europe’s waters, asking how we can ensure healthy rivers, lakes, groundwater resources and seas for future generations. Read more

Help us improve our work by taking our two-minute survey and letting us know what you think about Signals 2018. Thank you in advance for your feedback and suggestions.

In more than 250 presentations and workshops, spatial data specialists with an academic, public or private sector background, share their latest insights and experiences. Read more

The 5th European Water Conference will be an occasion to review progress on implementating EU water legislation. The event is jointly organised by the European Commission's Directorate-General for the Environment and the Austrian EU Presidency. Read more

This year’s EEEN Forum will focus on the impact of the evaluating environment and climate policies. Read more

COP24 will focus on adopting a package of decisions ensuring the full implementation of the Paris Agreement and include the so-called Facilitative Dialogue intended to support the implementation of national commitments. Read more

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