biodiversity
Meeting flood risk with nature-based solutions in EU coastal regions
As the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, EU citizens are facing growing risks of more severe and frequent flooding. Climate adaptation is being prioritised to meet this risk and protect people, properties and infrastructure, with several EU-funded projects pioneering approaches using nature-based solutions. The impacts of flooding were especially evident in 2024, when ...
Plants driving the future of sustainable technology
Scientists across Europe seek inspiration from flora to develop robots and materials. Europe is home to more than 20,000 plant species. Shaped by millions of years of evolution to withstand extreme conditions such as, droughts, floods, and harsh winters, plants convert sunlight into oxygen through photosynthesis, protect the soil from erosion and, not to forget, ...
A scientist’s opinion: interview with Prof. Dr. Nicole Grobert on ‘One Health’
After the Commission had tasked its Group of Chief Scientific Advisors (GCSA) with providing advice on One Health Governance in the EU, a report and a scientific opinion was published end of 2024. It assessed how the EU can align its policies with the One Health approach, improving coordination between different sectors like food production, ...
‘One Health’ and the role of science for better policy
As Europe faces overlapping challenges - from public health threats to biodiversity loss and environmental degradation - the need for integrated, evidence-based policymaking has never been clearer. The ‘One Health’ concept, which recognises the interconnection between human, animal and environmental health is now increasingly influencing the way policy is shaped. ‘One Health’ is gaining significant ...
Preserving marine ecosystems: the case for alternative fishing methods
In order to preserve marine ecosystems and ensure the long-term viability of fisheries, there is an urgent need for sustainable fishing practices and innovation. This is underscored by the recent study ‘Exploring the Viability of Innovative Fishing Technologies’, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA). The pivotal study ...
Bringing biodiversity back from the brink: the EU Nature Restoration Law proposal
In June this year the European Commission released a proposal for a milestone: an EU Nature Restoration Law. It comes at a crucial moment in the crisis the natural world is facing. Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans described it as "threatening the very foundation of our life on Earth". Marking 30 years since the EU last ...
Bean there, done that : why we should eat more beans and legumes in general
The world needs more protein, but animal-based protein intake is by no means sustainable. Legumes are a good alternative to meat and thanks to their biological nitrogen fixation capacities, they also benefit the environment.