Sustainable Development recommended as core principle of post-2015 UN Development Goals
In 2000, 147 governments pledged to half the number of people living in extreme poverty by 2015 – one of several UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This has been achieved. The proportion of people living on less than $1.25 a day fell from 47 per cent in 1990 to 24 per cent in 2008—a reduction [...]
Read moreDenmark pioneers an integrated bioethanol, biogas and CHP energy system
The Danish Environmental Protection Agency has completed its approval process of the pioneering environmental and energy project Maabjerg Energy Concept (MEC) in Holstebro, Jutland. MEC’s vision is to create a sustainable energy solution based on local and CO2 neutral raw materials, using the latest technologies. The project combines several sustainable energy production methods in a [...]
Read moreNatural capital costs surpass revenue in major industrial sectors
“Some business activities do not generate sufficient profit to cover their natural resource use and pollution costs” is the conclusion of a new report by the London-based consultancy, Trucost, on behalf of the TEEB for Business Coalition. According to the report, Natural Capital at Risk: The Top 100 Externalities of Business, over-exploitation of scarce, unpriced [...]
Read moreIt is imperative that Europe prepare more effectively for climate change, says report
While climate change is already being observed in Europe, steps to prepare for these changes by European countries are currently inadequate. According to a new report “Adaptation in Europe” by the European Environment Agency, only half of the 32 EEA member countries have climate change adaptation plans in place. Changes in temperature, rainfall, storm patterns, [...]
Read moreEco-behaviour not just good for the environment but also the economy
A new report on environmental behaviour in Denmark suggests that significant socio-economic gains can be achieved from consumers following simple environmental advice. Such gains could amount to DKK 3.65 billion annually if all advice was taken. Is there any point to eating leftovers from the day before thus avoiding food waste, or delivering your old [...]
Read moreCO2 concentrations set to hit symbolic high of 400 ppm
Average carbon dioxide concentration in our atmosphere is likely to pass the symbolically important 400 ppm ceiling for the first time in the next few days. Hourly readings above 400 ppm were recorded last week at the Earth Systems Research laboratory in Hawaii. The station is located on Mauna Loa, 3400 m above sea level, [...]
Read moreDenmark launches its strategy on creating a future intelligent energy system
Denmark has a long tradition of promoting energy efficiency. This month it launched a new strategy to make its energy system even more efficient – the “Smart Grid Strategy – Our Future Intelligent Energy System.” The strategy aims to create a Danish electricity market and system with flexibility as its core in order to ensure that wind [...]
Read moreStakeholder conference on 2012 climate change agreement commences
Today the EU Commission started its stakeholder consultation process discussing the 2015 international climate change agreement. The aim of the consultation is to help shape the EU’s position in international negotiations on a new, post-Kyoto Protocol framework to be completed by 2015, coming into effect in 2020. The EU stakeholder consultation process will allow a [...]
Read moreSustainable development must be central to future UN goals to eradicate poverty
Safeguarding our environment and the ecological services our environment provides is critical to eradicating poverty, stated a group of scientists at the first round of UN discussions on the development of a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), arguing that failure to protect these essential services and allowing further environmental degradation will worsen conditions of [...]
Read moreRecycling in the EU is rising but extraordinary effort is needed to achieve targets
Municipal waste recycling in Europe has seen significant improvement since 2001 but many countries are set to miss the EU mandated target to recycle 50% by 2020, according to the latest data published by the European Environment Agency (EEA). 35% of all municipal waste in Europe is now recycled up from 23% in 2001. According [...]
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