European Union: Environmental Policy Issues

EU urged to guard against Arctic resource rush

The communication on the European Union and the Arctic region released by the European Commission is seen by WWF as an important contribution to the goal of ensuring that the Arctic is not destroyed by a new natural resources rush.

However, WWF has noted the intention of some countries and oil companies to exploit arctic petroleum resources. In consideration of its fragile arctic environment, and the complete lack of any technical ability to clean up oil spills in ice covered waters, WWF calls for a moratorium on oil development in the Arctic at least until such clean up ability has been demonstrated. Read more...

EU needs carbon-free energy policy by mid-century

The European Commission released an ‘Energy security and solidarity action plan’ which addresses some of the gaps in the present EU climate and energy policy, such as the need to strengthen energy efficiency and ease grid access for renewable energies.

Yet, WWF noted major contradictions among suggested policies, lack of ambition and a Christmas tree of actions with little relevance for the environmental and economic objectives outlined in the proposals. For one, no mandatory target for energy efficiency has been included in the package. Read more....

Europe: Your Decision, Our Future. Keep global warming below 2°C

The European Union (EU) is about to decide its response to global warming – the decision will affect all of us.