Climate change is impacting the world at an unprecedented rate. The concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere continues to rise and global average temperatures have reached record highs. But it is not too late. If we act now, we can still achieve a livable and sustainable future. Taiwan is working together with the international…
Environment
European Regulation to Restore Nature
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash EU policymakers have come to a crucial agreement for an European regulation to restore nature. The proposal aims to put measures in place to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. It sets specific, legally binding targets…
European Greens Leadership Council
Photo by Sam te Kiefte on Unsplash The European Greens held their Green Leadership Council this week, a chance for Green Party leaders from all over Europe to “sharpen their common vision and plan” for the upcoming European elections. The Greens, in the elections in 2024, hope to build on electoral gains in the last Euro poll and…
Campaigning for Local Green Deals
Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash Local government and community groups have called for a “stronger and just “ EU Green Deal. The message was made when nearly 500 European policymakers, community-led initiatives, scientists and civil society organisations came together this week. They took part in a policy event “Making the European Green Deal Strong and Real: Harnessing the…
Protecting the Quality of Life of Rural Populations
Photo by Adele Payman on Unsplash Europe’s local and regional leaders have warned that the EU’s long-term sustainable development cannot be achieved without strong and sustainable rural areas and the complete integration of rural communities into the European project. A declaration adopted on 31 October at the European Committee of the Regions’ Bureau meeting in Logroño, Spain, stresses that…
Bring Taiwan into the Battle Against Climate Change
Photo by TE LUN OU YANG on Unsplash Taiwan has urged the international community, including the EU, to do more to support its long running efforts to taking part in global organisations. It says this would allow it to more fully contribute to a whole raft of endeavours, from fighting cross border crime to climate change. The appeal…
Delivering Cleaner Cars and Trucks in the EU
Photo by Bro Takes Photos on Unsplash MEPs have adopted radical proposals to lower pollutant emissions and set battery durability requirements for passenger cars, vans, buses and trucks. The new rules have been passed by the EU parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety. Members adopted the so called “Euro 7” proposals with 52 votes…
Time for a New Stance on Climate Change
Photo by Tobias Rademacher on Unsplash Amid September’s soaring temperatures that took climate scientists globally by surprise, the Pope’s impassioned plea for a renewed stance on climate change resonated deeply. His pointed demand that affluent, industrialised countries enact meaningful change to combat this crisis was both timely and significant. In the same breath, he voiced the inconvenient truths…
EP Hearings for Hoekstra and Šefčovič
Photo by Nauris Pūķis on Unsplash Members of the European Parliament have assessed the written answers of Commissioner-designates Wopke Hoekstra (Climate Action) and Maroš Šefčovič (Executive Vice-President in charge of the Green Deal). The EPP Group said it “fully” endorses the nomination of Hoekstra as the new European Commissioner for Climate Action while the Socialists and Democrats have say…
Treaty for the High Seas
Photo by NEOM on Unsplash The EU has pledged to plush for “unprecedented” protection for the world’s oceans. This comes after EC President Ursula von der Leyen signed, on behalf of the EU, a new “Treaty for the High Seas.” The document is also known as the ‘Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction’ (BBNJ) treaty. The EC calls it a “landmark treaty”…