The European Union has turned its focus towards Europe’s most polluting power plants and revised emission standards for nitrous oxide (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2), mercury and particulate matter. For many Europeans this is a welcomed change, but with member states flouting air quality standards and continuing to support failing industries rather than transition – will we ever be able to breathe easily?
READ MOREThe role of cities in efforts for global emission reductions are high on the global agenda. However, the reality of the funding gap between the demand for investment from cities in the developing world, and the capacity to mobilise funds, brings to the fore the stark inequalities that endure between developed and developing states.
READ MORESocieties try to become more and more resilient these days. Greening the cities is the new trend that tends to be inserted into urban lifestyles.
READ MORERecent international commitments indicate that humankind is recognizing the seriousness of the climate issue. And that is a great thing. But now it is important to act, which can be very difficult within our existing paradigms. How is the EU dealing with this ? Are there any windows of opportunity?
READ MOREAustralia’s refugee policy has been a festering wound for the past three years. On August 10th the wound exploded when The Guardian revealed 2,100 reported incidents of the offshore detention centre in Nauru. Most of the attention has been rightly devoted to the abuses themselves. Yet, at the same time it occludes a more widespread, global problem: the risks of outsourcing.
READ MOREEnsnared by the heavily subsidized meat industry, our growing ‘desire’ for meat is one of the major causes of health problems and environmental degradation. Not only does our excessive meat consumption put a heavy strain on resources, it also contributes to climate change. Since we are literally eating up our chances for a sustainable planet, Europe’s New Year’s resolution should be to cut down on meat.
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