
The world’s forests are precious and delicate ecosystems that give humanity so much. We should work together to protect and treasure our forests.
Renewable sources, energy saving and the economic crisis have contributed to curbing CO2 emissions by a quarter compared to 1990 levels.
Greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union decreased by 4.1% in 2014 compared to the previous year and by 24.4% compared to 1990 levels, according to a report published by the European Environmental Agency (EEA). The report reveals that – in absolute terms – the EU’s production system avoided to generate 1,383 million tonnes of CO2 yearly into the atmosphere.
“It is positive – EEA Executive Director Hans Bruyninckx said – that Europe has been able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions substantially since 1990. It is an important step towards reaching our 2030 and 2050 climate targets. To accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon society, we need to further boost our investments in technology and innovation aimed at reducing our dependence on fossil fuels”.
According to the report, the greenhouse gas emission drop is linked to a series of factors, including the increased use of renewable energy and lower-impact fuel and a more efficient energy use. Economic incentives have also contributed to the CO2 emission drop. In particular, the study reports how the production systems have structurally changed over the years. But it also highlights that the economic crisis and the decline of production activities have given a strong impulse to the emission drop.
“Demand for energy to heat households has also been lower – the EEA says –, as Europe on average has experienced milder winters since 1990”. But not all sectors were able to reduce emissions. Road transport, for example, has not followed the positive trend: on the contrary, it has been responsible for the largest increase in CO2 emissions, grew by 124 million tonnes from 1990 to 2014 (7 million tonnes between 2013 and 14).
In the same way, the emissions generated by the international air and sea transportation have risen by 93 million tonnes. Emissions caused by increased use of cooling devices have grown by 99 million tonnes.
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The world’s forests are precious and delicate ecosystems that give humanity so much. We should work together to protect and treasure our forests.
It has taken 15 years of negotiations but the world’s governments have finally reached an agreement to protect the oceans and the high seas.
The extent of sea ice in Antarctica reached a new record low on 21st February 2023.
Communities in Kwa-Zulu Natal have been at loggerheads with Tendele Coal Mine over land destruction, water pollution and the killing of activists.
BNP Paribas has been sued by three French NGOs. This lawsuit marks the first time ever that a commercial bank is sued over its fossil fuel financing.
There are still a lot of unknowns regarding last month’s train derailment in Ohio, especially in terms of its consequences on the environment and health.
Nicole Menemene founded Plastycor to help fight plastic pollution, inspiring women and young people to join the cause and protect the environment.
Assam state in north-east India has won international appreciation for its successful efforts to stop rhino poaching, with zero deaths recorded in 2022.
The Po river basin, vital to part of Italy’s agriculture, is already in crisis: without rain in March or April, the drought will be worse than last year.