We must stay the course to sustainability — not just because it is necessary, but because it is also the right thing to do and the only viable choice we have in the long-term.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.