2020 turned out to be a bit of a bumpy ride. The coronavirus pandemic meant that many of our plans were thwarted. And yet there was more to the past few months than just a feeling of uneasiness. It was so heartening to experience your solidarity! Thank you so much for continuing to support us and our conservation partners in these difficult times. Please recommend us to others! https://www.euronatur.org/en/

Es hat gerumpelt und geruckelt im Jahr 2020. Durch die Corona-Pandemie wurden viele unserer Pläne durchkreuzt. Und doch ist mit den vergangenen Monaten mehr verbunden als ein ungutes Gefühl. Es war so ermutigend, Ihre Solidarität zu erfahren! Herzlichen Dank, dass Sie uns und unsere Naturschutzpartner auch in dieser schwierigen Zeit unterstützen. Bitte empfehlen Sie uns weiter! https://www.euronatur.org/

EPA and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) have released an analysis of the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2020. The estimates show a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of almost 6% in 2020, compared to 2019. Emissions from the transport sector are estimated to be over two million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (Mt CO2eq) lower than last year, a fall of almost 17%. Residential sector emissions are estimated to have increased by 9% (0.6 Mt CO2eq) in 2020. This is mostly from home heating, as many people worked extensively from home. Emissions from the energy industries sector are estimated to be 14% lower (1.3 Mt CO2eq less) than in 2019. This was most significantly due to less coal and peat used in power generation, with the pandemic measures playing a smaller part. Read the full report here: bit.ly/36jV3Li

Climate Bonds Sovereign Green, Social & Sustainability (GSS) bond report discusses the results of our recent survey of perspectives from 19 Sovereign issuers. The report highlights numerous benefits and the positive impact that sovereign nations can have as they come to market with their GSS bonds. Join our webinar as our expert guest speakers share the experience of issuing GSS sovereign bonds. The panel will offer insights into the processes and experiences of issuing sovereign GSS from state finance officials. The Climate Bonds report found the benefits varied from catalyzing and enhancing local markets, amplifying transparency, increased investor participation, pricing benefits, and collaboration. Report: https://www.climatebonds.net/resources/reports/sovereign-green-social-and-sustainability-bond-survey ▶️ Speakers: - Elvira Eurlings, Director DSTA, The Netherlands - Zoltan Kurali, Chief Executive Officer Government Debt Management Agency of Hungary - Jonathan Drew, Managing Director, ESG Solutions, Global Banking, HSBC - Alexandre Vincent, Green Bonds Manager, Agence France Tresor - Manuel Adamini, Senior Advisor, Climate Bonds Initiative - Caroline Harrison, Senior Research Analyst, Climate Bonds Initiative

Since 2017, Surfrider has been fighting a dangerous and misguided federal proposal to open over 90% of U.S. coasts to new offshore oil drilling. It’s taken hundreds of meetings, thousands of business partners, and millions of supporters to take action. And today, President Biden has announced a plan to halt all oil & gas leasing for both our oceans and public lands. This critical action means we can ensure our iconic coasts are preserved and accessible for future generations. Huge thanks to ALL of our chapters, clubs, activists, and partners who contributed to this massive effort. Learn More: https://www.surfrider.org/coastal-blog/entry/president-biden-signs-executive-order-to-pause-oil-and-gas-leasing-and-tackle-climate-change

In this video, Ventseslav Kozarev (Applied Research and Communications Fund) presents his RECIPES case study on Genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The case study looks into the evolution of the Bulgarian regulatory context around GMOs and the ensuing policy discourse, with the intention to investigate and demonstrate the relevance of the precautionary principle and its integration within legislative and broader debates in the country. It attempts to explain how legislative decisions are influenced, or not, by arguments of precaution and science, and how very often these arguments were challenged by a great degree of uncertainty and socially constructed perception of risks. The RECIPES (REconciling sCience, Innovation and Precaution through the Engagement of Stakeholders) project aims to propose ideas on how to align the precautionary principle with the goals of innovation to ensure sustainable and safe solutions, while fostering social awareness and responsibility in the EU in research and innovation. The project is funded by the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme of the European Union under Grant Agreement no. 824665. For more information, visit our website: www.recipes-project.eu To contact the project team, please write to: communications@recipes-project.eu Video recording: Ventseslav Kozarev (Applied Research and Communications Fund) Animation: Lena Aebli (Ecologic Institute) Produced by Ecologic Institute 2021, www.ecologic.eu

In this video Dr Kirsten Fossum gives a synopsis of Research Report 365: Developing Ireland’s Greenhouse Gas and Transboundary Air Pollution Monitoring Network Project abstract: The Atmospheric Composition and Climate Change (AC3) network is an established national research and monitoring infrastructure developed incrementally. It monitors greenhouse gases, short-lived climate forcers, and aerosol chemical and physical characteristics in line with best practice from pan-European and global monitoring programmes. This fellowship has enabled and sustained scientific operations for a national monitoring network. All EPA Research reports can be downloaded: http://www.epa.ie/researchandeducation/research/researchpublications/researchreports/

In honour of Veganuary, Oxford Climate Society and Oxford Vegsoc teamed up to talk about the diet of the future. In this event we explore the reasons for going plant-based from an ethical and an environmental perspective. Is a plant-based diet the most sustainable one? And could we be morally required to give up animal products on our plates? 08:15 Dr Marco Springmann – Why plant-based eating is better for the planet 20:45 Janet Ranganathan – The role of diets in a sustainable food future 37:03 Prof Tristram McPherson – Ethical reasons for not eating meat 56:07 Questions and Discussion Oxford VegSoc: https://www.facebook.com/OxfordVegsoc Oxford Climate Society: https://www.facebook.com/OxfordClimateSoc

More info: https://www.gwp.org/en/About/more/news/2021/water-changemaker-awards-and-the-winner-is/

More info: https://www.gwp.org/en/About/more/news/2021/water-changemaker-awards-and-the-winner-is/

More info: https://www.gwp.org/en/About/more/news/2021/water-changemaker-awards-and-the-winner-is/

More info: https://www.gwp.org/en/About/more/news/2021/water-changemaker-awards-and-the-winner-is/

EIT Climate-KIC's Just Transformation Deep Demonstration in Rybnik is shaping (together with citizens) the new development strategy of this Silesian city based on systemic innovation. Rybnik is a city located in the heart of the largest coal-producing region in the European Union, which faces the challenge of energy transition and struggles against enormous air pollution. The city has an ambition to achieve climate neutrality and to transform into a liveable, greener place in the near future by phasing out coal.

More info: www.waterchangemakers.org

In this video Dr Patrick Bresnihan gives a synopsis of Research Report 364: Learning from Group Water Schemes: Community Infrastructures for Sustainable Development Project Abstract: The quality of many of Ireland’s freshwater sources is declining, impacting in turn the quality and affordability of Ireland’s drinking water services. This project examines the history and development of the group water scheme sector, identifying how and why it has been successful in providing essential water services to rural Ireland, and providing several key findings that have implications beyond the rural water sector. Download the report: http://www.epa.ie/researchandeducation/research/researchpublications/researchreports/research364.html All EPA Research reports can be downloaded: http://www.epa.ie/researchandeducation/research/researchpublications/researchreports/

In this video Dr Diarmuid Torney gives a synopsis of Research 362: Evaluating Ireland’s Climate Policy Performance Project Abstract: To date, Ireland’s climate change policy response has not delivered sufficient progress. The central objectives of this project were to construct a policy evaluation framework that builds on a standard EU evaluation framework and to undertake evaluations of climate change policies across all sectors using the framework, with a specific focus on key policies. Download the report: http://www.epa.ie/researchandeducation/research/researchpublications/researchreports/research362.html All EPA Research publications can be viewed on our website: http://www.epa.ie/researchandeducation/research/researchpublications/researchreports/

GWP Interim Executive Secretary Peter Repinski speaks to the leaders of the GWP Country Water Partnerships on 21 January 2021. More info: https://www.gwp.org/en/About/more/Events-and-Calls/2021/gwp-country-leaders---meet-your-peers-working-towards-stronger-cwps/

For a third year, The Story of Your Stuff has partnered with UCD, which will host a finale event in April. Director of the Earth Institute at UCD, Professor Tasman Crowe said: “UCD is delighted to once again support the EPA in delivering this initiative. The Story of Your Stuff has the potential to inspire the scientists of the future and is an important tool through which students develop the skills used by scientists and other researchers. Research has a huge role to play in protecting our planet and I hope students are inspired by the initiative to consider future studies in science and sustainability.”

This year, the EPA has enlisted the support of aeronautical engineer, citizen scientist-astronaut candidate and award-winning STEM advocate, Dr Norah Patten as the competition ambassador for The Story of Your Stuff competition. Dr Patten said: “As an advocate of participation in STEM, I’m encouraged by The Story of Your Stuff and am delighted to take up the role of ambassador for this year’s competition. Here, young people have the opportunity to bring their commitment to climate action and apply it to help influence environmentally-conscious decisions. I look forward to seeing how students immerse themselves in their chosen topic and go about presenting their findings in a creative and digestible way, with the aim of influencing behavioural change. I wish all entrants and their teachers the best of luck.”

The EPA launched The Story of Your Stuff 2021, a competition which challenges second level students to investigate the life cycle of their everyday ‘stuff’ through a creative medium, considering the entirety of the item’s life cycle. Students are encouraged to use the EPA’s Ireland’s Environment website, www.epa.ie/irelandsenvironment/ as a main resource to assist their research. The Story of Your Stuff asks students to address climate issues with creativity, and also awards a special prize for Irish language entries. Students are encouraged to consider answers to questions of environmental sustainability raised during pandemic. In this video you will also hear from the 2020 winner of the Climate Topic Prize - Lana Mitchell and her Teacher Laura McMahon, Coolmine Community School. Further details on the competition is available on the competition website www.thestoryofyourstuff.ie

This is the first of six webinars in 2021 that are linked to the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on “Governance for Transboundary Freshwater Security.” The webinar series is called the transboundary freshwater security governance train and is carried out January-June 2021. More info on the first event: https://www.gwp.org/en/About/more/Events-and-Calls/2021/interactive-online-session-transboundary-water-agreements/

We know that recycling alone will not be enough to solve the waste crisis we face today. Urgent action is needed to tackle the problem systematically and holistically. An important component of this is the need for citizens to rethink their consumption patterns and methods to generate less waste. In recent years we have seen a huge rise in the growth and popularity of packaging-free shops across Europe, aimed at reducing waste and connecting consumers with the food & products they purchase. Zero Waste Europe recently conducted a pioneering survey on the rise of packaging-free shops in Europe and what this means for waste prevention levels. The findings of this survey will be presented at the start of the webinar and will form the basis of the discussion throughout, with leading experts from industry and business sharing their insights into what role packaging-free shops can play in societies transitioning towards zero waste. This webinar will take a closer look and examine some key questions: What impact are packaging-free shops currently having on waste generation levels in Europe? What roles do packaging-free shops have to play within a zero waste plan? What action can cities & municipalities take to facilitate the growth of further packaging-free and zero waste shops within their local area?

The Young Innovators programme recognises there is a need for more complex problem solving and climate innovation in the curriculum. Through fun and creativity, not fear and anxiety, we can help teachers and students meet the climate crisis head-on.

You have successfully completed the two-step application process for EUKI funding and have signed the contract? This video briefly explains what you should know and expect regarding the financial implementation of your project within the European Climate Initiative (EUKI). EUKI is a financing instrument by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU). It is the overarching goal of the EUKI to foster climate cooperation within the European Union in order to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. It does so through strengthening across-border dialogue and cooperation as well as exchange of knowledge and experience. More info: www.euki.de/en and follow us on Twitter (@EUKI_Climate) and Facebook (@EUKIClimate) Concept & Production: Atelier Limo – Brunel & Pannetier GbR (www.atelier-limo.eu/)

So many of you want to live a bit greener in 2021 and we want to help! We have put together some easy ways you can live a little more sustainably. Each week we’ll share tips across everyday areas such as waste, food waste, travel, fashion and community. We’re starting today with some Waste Tips. We welcome your tips too! #livegreener2021 #livewell #green #positivevibes #change #OneSmallChange #waste #sustainability #carbonfootprint #environment #bethechange

Seas At Risk, together with Our Fish,Sciaena, IFAW, Oceana in Europe, Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, ClientEarth, BLOOM and BirdLife Europe, hosted a press briefing to announce the publication of Back to the Source - Saving Europe’s Biodiversity Starts in the Ocean, a joint report on marine biodiversity in response to the EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, and the preparation of the EU Parliament’s position on the Strategy. FOLLOW US: Twitter: https://twitter.com/SeasAtRisk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourbluelung Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourbluelung/ ABOUT SEAS AT RISK: For nearly 30 years, Seas at Risk has championed the cause of the European marine environment and that of seas and oceans around the world. Our effective network of member organisations in every corner of the EU shares our dedication to, and passion for, protecting the marine environment and ecosystems we depend on. https://seas-at-risk.org/

The Diagnostic Water Governance Tool (https://watergovernance-tool.eu) is a comprehensive diagnostic tool to support an integrated management approach in watersheds. Based on the data users enter for their particular case, they not only receive a diagnosis, but also case-specific recommendations for instruments to improve coordination in water management. Practitioners from water administration and management as well as development cooperation and consultancy, but also researchers are the target group of the tool and are invited to try it out. The Diagnostic Water Governance Tool has been developed as part of the STEER project (https://www.steer.uni-osnabrueck.de/). This project has received funding from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under its Water as a Global Resource (GRoW) funding measure (https://bmbf-grow.de/en), which is part of the Research for Sustainable Development (FONA) framework. Concept & Script: Benedict Bueb, Ulf Stein (Ecologic Institute) Design: Lena Aebli (Ecologic Institute) Voice-over: Rodrigo Vidaurre (Ecologic Institute)

The EPA launched The Story of Your Stuff 2021, a competition which challenges students to investigate the life cycle of their everyday ‘stuff’ through a creative medium, considering the entirety of the item’s life cycle. Students are encouraged to use the EPA’s Ireland’s Environment website, www.epa.ie/irelandsenvironment/ as a main resource to assist their research. The Story of Your Stuff asks students to address climate issues with creativity, and also awards a special prize for Irish language entries. Students are encouraged to consider answers to questions of environmental sustainability raised during pandemic. Further information on the competition and rules is available on www.thestoryofyourstuff.ie Closing date for entries is Monday, 8th March 2021.

Welcome to the sixth installment of The Current — your inside look into what’s happening at Surfrider. In this episode, Surfrider CEO, Dr. Chad Nelsen, speaks with Environmental Director, Pete Stauffer, about Surfrider’s plan to protect our coasts under the new Biden Presidential Administration.

In this video Heidi Schjøll Brede gives a synopsis of Research 360: Methodologies for Financing and Costing of Climate Impacts and Future Adaptation Actions: Transport Networks in Ireland Project abstract: Climate change is happening on a global scale, and Ireland is seeing its detrimental effects. Increased stress owing to changing weather patterns and extreme storm events is and will have an impact on the transport infrastructure network. Developing resilient methodologies that quantify the social, economic and environmental costs of climate change impacts can support a decision-making framework and provide cost effective solutions. Download the report: http://www.epa.ie/researchandeducation/research/researchpublications/researchreports/research360.html All EPA Research publications can be viewed on our website: http://www.epa.ie/researchandeducation/research/researchpublications/

Este vídeo explica los fundamentos del Acuerdo de París, el tratado internacional de la ONU de 2015 que tiene como finalidad abordar el cambio climático de manera directa. Su objetivo central es fortalecer la respuesta mundial a la amenaza del cambio climático manteniendo el aumento de la temperatura global muy por debajo de 2 grados centígrados por encima de los niveles preindustriales. En un plano más ambicioso, se pretende limitar el aumento aún más, exactamente a 1,5 grados centígrados. Por otro lado, el acuerdo tiene por objeto fortalecer la capacidad de los países para hacer frente a dichos efectos del cambio climático.

Over 100 NGOs have already signed up the Blue Manifesto to ask European policy makers to make our seas and ocean healthy again by 2030. NGOs now call scientists, organisations, businesses and ocean influencers to support the call by signing here: https://seas-at-risk.org/issues/blue-manifesto.html The Blue Manifesto can be found here: https://seas-at-risk.org/images/pdf/publications/SAR_BLUE_MANIFESTO_WEB.pdf

This has been a challenging year to say the least. But thanks to the tireless efforts of our grassroots network of volunteers, alongside our expert staff, we achieved over 62 coastal victories to protect our ocean, waves and beaches. We extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our chapters, clubs, supporters and partners who persevered through all the challenges that this year presented and still contributed to this great success.

The environmental benefits of adopting a zero waste approach have been well documented and are clear for many municipalities today. However, what is less discussed is that by adopting a local zero waste approach, authorities can also cut their expenditure. This webinar will examine the various economic benefits that municipalities can achieve from transitioning to zero waste, analysing which policies can be used and tailored in different contexts to have the greatest results. This webinar will go into greater depth to answer these key questions: - How can adopting a zero waste approach cut costs for a municipality? - Which municipalities have saved money using a zero waste approach and how have they done this? - What processes and policies have the biggest economic impact for a municipality? How can they be locally tailored to each municipalities’ context?

The COVID-19 pandemic has completely transformed society and our everyday lifestyles. As we continue to adjust to the realities of managing the pandemic, this webinar will examine whether the COVID-19 crisis has had any long-term impacts on how we design and implement zero waste solutions, both today and in the future. This webinar will go into greater depth to answer these key questions: What can we do to prevent a sustained increase in the use of single-use products? How can we combat the push by the plastics industry for greater single-use products? What examples exist of reusable solutions to some of the most problematic and consistent single-use items? In the longer-term, how does a zero waste approach ensure the achievement of circular economy goals, whilst continuing to meet the necessary high standards of health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Evidence of the serious social, economic and environmental impacts that the production, consumption and disposal of single-use menstrual products create is building. As part of #environmenstrualweek 2020, this webinar will examine in greater detail the negative impacts that single-use menstrual products are having today, as well as providing some clear policies and solutions for decision-makers, manufacturers and consumers to address the problem. This webinar will go into greater depth to answer these key questions: What does the evidence say on the environmental and economic impacts of single-use menstrual items, nappies and wet wipes What is Environmenstrual Week and what are campaigners doing to tackle this issue? What are the biggest health and social issues that occur from using these items? What are the measures and policy recommendations that can help solve this problem?

Watch the second webinar in the AGYLE* webinar series which took place on the 15th of December 2020 and comprised of enriching discussion on the role of youth in a healthier recovery. The webinar brought together leading health sector experts with youth representative from the region to discuss, deliberate and consider the linkages between climate and health in a post-COVID-19 world. (*AGYLE: Academy for Global Youth Leadership Empowerment)

We are pleased to inform you that the Federal Environment Ministry (BMU) has launched the Fifth Call for Project Ideas under the European Climate Initiative (EUKI). NGOs, public authorities, academic and educational institutions as well as other non-profit institutions are called upon to submit ideas for projects that contribute to climate action in Europe and strengthen European cooperation. The deadline for submission of project outlines is 19 January 2020. This Video will give participating organisations an overview of the current selction procedure and hopefully will answer most of your questions regarding the call. 05:55 Financing Objectives and Priorities (incl. Q&A): Benjamin Struss, GIZ 34:44 Short Introduction: Sarah Heft, German Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMU) 45:55 Formal Requirements (incl. Q&A): Lisa Berkenkoetter and Elke Shrestha, GIZ 1:11:55 Selection Procedure (incl. Q&A): Matthias Daun, GIZ More information about the European Climate Initiative (EUKI): Web: www.euki.de/en Twitter: @EUKI_Climate Facebook: @EUKIClimate

Oliver Graf, Gewinner des EuroNatur-Schreibwettbewerbs 2020 hat uns eine Videobotschaft zugesandt. In seiner wunderbaren Kurzgeschichte Schokoriegel geht es um einen nicht gerade typischen Waldbesetzer und unerwartete Unterstützung für ihn.

It's definitely beginning to feel a lot like Christmas with this fantastic video from ERPIreland as part of the #BatteriesforBarretstown campaign. This #Christmas look out for little green #batteriesforbarretstown boxes to recycle your batteries.

The Story of Your Stuff is an EPA competition for second level students aimed at highlighting sustainability, climate action and environmental protection. Students are invited to use their creative talents to tell the story of their ‘stuff’, which could be an object or activity, using a visual medium. The competition invites students to first investigate the environmental lifecycle of their ‘stuff’ using the resources and information, from the EPA website for example, particularly Ireland’s Environment and the recently published EPA state of environment report, Ireland’s Environment: An Integrated Assessment 2020* to assist with their research.

For nearly three years, IDDRI and the French Development Agency (AFD) have been conducting research on how the organisation of the cocoa market, its value chains and its quality signs lead to solutions and possible challenges. The Dominican Republic, a country known worldwide for its high-quality cocoa and the leading exporter of organic cocoa, was chosen to host IDDRI's work. On the occasion of the release of the study, and in the context of the organisation of the first Dominican Chocolate Festival, an exchange webinar is being organised based on the results of the research. The event takes place under the chairmanship of Eric Fournier, Ambassador of France. With : Eric Fournier, Ambassador of France to the Dominican Republic Sandra Kassab, AFD Director in the Dominican Republic Frédéric Amiel, researcher at IDDRI Music : bensound.com Desde hace casi tres años, el IDDRI y la Agencia Francesa de Desarrollo (AFD) llevan a cabo una investigación sobre cómo la organización del mercado del cacao, sus cadenas de valor y sus signos de calidad conducen a soluciones y posibles desafíos. La República Dominicana, país conocido mundialmente por su cacao de alta calidad y el principal exportador de cacao orgánico, fue elegida para albergar el trabajo del IDDRI. Con ocasión de la publicación del estudio, y en el contexto de la organización del primer Festival del Chocolate Dominicano, se está organizando un seminario web de intercambio basado en los resultados de la investigación. El evento tiene lugar bajo la presidencia de Eric Fournier, embajador de Francia. Con la ayuda de : Eric Fournier, Embajador de Francia en la República Dominicana Sandra Kassab, Directora de la AFD en la República Dominicana Frédéric Amiel, investigador del IDDRI Traducción realizada con la versión gratuita del traductor www.DeepL.com/Translator

This clip is part of a discussion held in December 2020 - get the full story and context: https://www.gwp.org/en/About/more/news/2020/embracing-gender-equality-and-inclusion--it-starts-from-the-top/

Join Our Fish, ClientEarth, Sciaena, Seas at Risk, The Pew Charitable Trusts and Oceana for a briefing ahead of the December 15-16th AGRIFISH Council meeting, where EU countries are expected to set fishing limits for 2021 for approximately 30 fish stocks, managed exclusively by the EU. As these 30 fish populations are exclusively fished by EU member states, the EU has no one else to blame if it sets quotas above limits advised by scientists. These stocks now make up just 25% of the Northeast Atlantic stocks that the EU accesses, with the rest to be shared with the UK and Norway. In the past, negotiations over shared stocks with Norway have repeatedly led to overfishing, with each party blaming the other. This AGRIFISH meeting provides an opportunity to set an example: will the EU deliver on its legal obligations, and its global leadership and Green Deal aspirations, by setting quotas for these stocks within scientific limits, or will it continue with overfishing-as-usual and thus undermine the ambition of ocean action in upcoming dealmaking with Norway and the UK?

Ireland’s water quality needs to be better protected is the main finding of our ‘Water Quality Indicators Report 2019’ which has been published today. The report, an assessment of Ireland’s surface water and groundwater quality found that just over half of Irish surface waters are in a satisfactory condition. Nutrient concentrations in waters are too high and trends are going in the wrong direction. Over one third of rivers, and a quarter of lakes are failing to meet their environmental quality standards for nutrients. Over one fifth of our groundwater, estuarine and coastal water bodies have high nitrogen concentrations. Nitrate concentrations are now increasing in nearly half of our river and groundwater sites and phosphate levels are increasing in a quarter of river sites. The main threat to water quality is the presence of too much nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, which come primarily from agriculture and waste water. Concentrations of nitrate are highest in the south and south east of the country where the main source is agriculture. The rivers surveyed in 2019 have shown more improvements than declines overall, which is welcome, however further action is needed to return waters to a satisfactory condition. The key to improving water quality is the full implementation of Ireland’s River Basin Management Plan and targeted action to get the right measure in the right place. Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/37ehORU #water #quality #rivers #river #lakes #coasts #sea #estuary #clean #healthy #nutrients #farming #ireland #environment

Visit our website: https://www.cdsb.net/ Download the report here: https://www.cdsb.net/NFRD2020 Sign up for free CPD accredited online courses on the #TCFDHub: https://www.tcfdhub.org/online-courses/ - Introduction to climate-related disclosures – starting your climate journey - Understanding the recommendations of the TCFD - Embedding climate change into financial management – climate-related reporting for accountants. - Corporate reporting of climate and environmental matters in the European Union - Governance of climate-related risks and opportunities - An introduction to managing the financial risks from climate change Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.cdsb.net/newsletter Visit the TCFD Hub: https://www.tcfdhub.org/ Follow us on Twitter: @CDSBGlobal Connect to us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cdsb

Un événement organisé par l'Ambassade du Canada en France. Logo de l'Ambassade du Canada en France Avec : Catherine McKenna, ministre de l’Infrastructure et des Collectivités (Canada) et cheffe de la délégation du Canada à la COP21 en 2015 Laurent Fabius, président du Conseil constitutionnel (France) et président de la COP21 Isabelle Hudon, ambassadrice du Canada en France et à Monaco Ed Llewellyn, ambassadeur britannique à Paris Un événement modéré par Sébastien Treyer, directeur général de l’Iddri. Le 12 décembre 2015, 195 pays, dont le Canada et la France, adoptaient l’Accord de Paris pour le climat, scellant ainsi leurs ambitions communes à lutter contre les changements climatiques. À l’occasion de ce 5e anniversaire de l'Accord de Paris sur le climat, et à la veille du Sommet Climat de Londres le 12 décembre prochain, Isabelle Hudon, ambassadrice du Canada en France et à Monaco, organise un dialogue transatlantique entre deux acteurs clés des négociations de la COP 21 : Catherine McKenna et Laurent Fabius. Ce moment d’échanges de haut niveau permettra de rappeler les conditions du succès en 2015, de dresser un bilan des cinq années écoulées et de dessiner des perspectives pour l’avenir en identifiant les opportunités que permet le contexte sanitaire et géopolitique actuel. Music: bensound.com

The Food Packaging Forum's (FPF) managing director, Jane Muncke, interviews Lisa Cox from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality about her presentation given at FPF's 2020 Virtual Workshop titled State-level action on hazardous chemicals in FCMs in the United States. All of the recorded presentations from the workshop are publicly available on the event's website: https://www.foodpackagingforum.org/events/workshop2020

​ The mesopelagic, or twilight zone - the waters of the open ocean at a depth of approximately 150-1,000 metres - hosts significant fish stocks. These fish are unpalatable but proposals are emerging to process them into fishmeal and nutritional supplements. As this vast midwater realm plays a role in the carbon cycle and food webs, the development of new fisheries could have global ramifications. Yet our scientific understanding is limited and the existing governance framework may not be ready to effectively manage mesopelagic fisheries. This webinar introduces the science and ecology of the mesopelagic zone and explores the potential governance challenges for the sustainable development of new fisheries. The event will launch two new reports: Fishing in the Twilight Zone: Illuminating governance challenges at the next fisheries frontier (IDDRI) Entering the Twilight Zone: The ecological role and importance of mesopelagic fishes (Blue Marine Fondation) With: Heidi Sosik, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (Massachusetts, USA), on exploring the mesopelagic zone Callum Roberts, University of Exeter (United-Kingdom), on the ecological role and importance of mesopelagic fishes Rachel Tiller, SINTEF Ocean (Trondheim, Norway), on the Sustainable Management of Mesopelagic Resources project (SUMMER) Kristina Gjerde, IUCN (Switzerland), on existing governance framework and the high seas treaty negotiations   Glen Wright, IDDRI (Paris, France), on options for strengthening the governance of mesopelagic fisheries ​

#PlasticsInTheSpotlight tested key figures across Europe for toxic chemicals in the body as a result of plastic food packaging. The results signal the need for action on packaging & chemicals for the benefit of both people and planet. Find out more about the project: https://zerowasteeurope.eu/plastics-in-the-spotlight/ Partners: Ekologi Brez Meja (Slovenia), Rezero (Spain), Za Zemiata (Bulgaria), ZERO (Portugal), Zero Waste Europe (Belgium) and Zero Waste Latvija (Latvia). Special thanks to Blush design agency & Sagarzazu Studio.

We have published our latest hazardous waste figures for Ireland. The amount of hazardous waste - which includes ash produced by waste to energy facilities, contaminated soils and chemicals - produced in Ireland continues to increase. Ireland produced 581,000 tonnes of hazardous waste in 2019, an increase of 55,000 tonnes (10 per cent) since 2018. Hazardous waste generation in Ireland has been increasing since 2015, driven mainly by increases in incinerator ash and contaminated soils. While treatment capacity in Ireland has increased for some waste types, such as contaminated soils, Ireland still does not have the range of facilities to deal with all of the hazardous waste generated in the country. Overall 65 per cent of Ireland’s hazardous waste was exported for treatment to other EU member states in 2019. The Netherlands, Norway, Great Britain, Denmark, Germany, Northern Ireland and France together accepted the majority of Ireland’s hazardous waste exports. Infectious health care waste was the eleventh largest category of hazardous waste in 2019 at just over 12,000 tonnes. The effect of the Covid-19 pandemic is likely to result in higher tonnages in 2020. Full 2019 hazardous waste figures document here: bit.ly/2LsRSK1

Ahead of the upcoming call for small-scale projects of the Innovation Fund, representatives of industry and the financial world gathered virtually on 19 November to discuss how private and private finance can help bring small innovative clean tech projects to the market. For more information on the Innovation Fund, check our webpage: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/innovation-fund_en Music by Fesliyan Studio

Ahead of the upcoming call for small-scale projects of the Innovation Fund, representatives of industry and the financial world gathered virtually on 19 November to discuss how private and private finance can help bring small innovative clean tech projects to the market. This part focuses on the main features of the call. You can watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/a8GXuwPcWig For more information on the Innovation Fund, check our webpage: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/innovation-fund_en

Ahead of the upcoming call for small-scale projects of the Innovation Fund, representatives of industry and the financial world gathered virtually on 19 November to discuss how private and private finance can help bring small innovative clean tech projects to the market. This part focuses on how attract finance to help your project reach the market. You can watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/a8GXuwPcWig For more information on the Innovation Fund, check our webpage: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/innovation-fund_en

Video from Ilona Pogodina.

Video from Helen Link & Martin Tiimus.

Video from Kristel Sepp, Ahto Aasma, Tauri Tamme, Elis Märks, Vladislav Kalames, Epp Ainelo, Anna Solts, Saamuel Rammo.

With: Graham Watkins, Chief of the Climate Change and Sustainability Division, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) ( Laurence Breton-Moyet, Director of Strategy, Partnerships and Communication, Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Mohan Vivekanandan, Group Executive: Origination and Client Coverage, Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) Maria Alejandra Riaño, Research fellow, Institut du Développement Durable et des Relations Internationales (IDDRI) Moderation by Sébastien Treyer, Executive Director (IDDRI) Public development banks are key players to support the transitions required to effectively deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals and ambitious climate change targets. But, aligning these objectives requires re-envisioning the way development is financed by favouring a complete, comprehensive and systemic integration of the SDGs, instead of classifying existing projects by individual SDGs. Such alignment also requires benchmarking project decisions against their consistency with economy-wide pathways, with an explicit consideration of the long-term impacts of short-term decisions including the risk of lock-ins. A recent study published by the DDPLAC research consortium shows, on the example of six Latin American countries, how deep decarbonization strategies can help inform the direction to take consistent with the achievement of ambitious climate objectives and national development priorities. This provides a proof of concept for a strategic approach that could provide a framework to guide decision of investors, and notably public development banks. On the occasion of the publication of the DDPLAC report and building on a recent IDDRI study reviewing public development banks’ practices, this webinar organised a conversation between representatives of three development banks–regional, bilateral and national–active in three different continents. The discussion facilitated sharing of experience and of lessons learnt regarding the financing of development patterns that align SDGs and climate. It seeked to identify which approaches could be envisaged to strengthen even more this alignment in their practices and what role country-driven long-term low emission development strategies could play for this purpose. Music : http://bensound.com

Young Innovators supports teachers, educators and students aged 12 to 18 by introducing systems thinking and climate innovation into the classroom. Join us! https://younginnovators.climate-kic.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/young-innovators-climate-kic/

Session 1 Environment, Health and Wellbeing Conference 2020 - Health Environment, Healthy Lives, How the Environment influences health and Wellbeing in Europe.

Session 2 Environment, Health and Wellbeing Conference 2020 - iNAP1 (Human Healthcare), successes, challenges, learnings and progress to iNAP2

Session 2 Environment, Health and Wellbeing Conference 2020 - iNAP1 (Animal Healthcare) - successes, challenges, learnings and progress to iNAP2

Session 2 - Environment, Health and Wellbeing Conference 2020 - Sources, Persistence, Transmission and Risk Management

Session 2 - Environment, Health and Wellbeing Conference 2020 - Collective Action Problems in Healthcare and Environmental Policy Areas

Session 1 Environment, Health and Wellbeing Conference 2020 - EU Ambitions for a Non-Toxic Environment - Key Actions for a Sustainable Chemicals Policy

The multilateral assessment is part of the international assessment and review (IAR) process for developed country Parties which assesses individual countries on their progress in meeting their 2020 targets. By providing up to date, expert-reviewed information and opportunities for peer engagement, the IAR helps promoting the comparability of efforts among all developed countries and building confidence that all developed countries are implementing climate actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. During the climate dialogues 10 Parties: Australia, European Union, Finland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland shared their achievements, innovative climate actions and experiences in meeting the 2020 climate targets. The MA process serves as foundation of the enhanced transparency framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement, which represents an important component of increasing ambition to tackle climate change by building trust and confidence that countries are taking actions. The Parties’ video presentations and background information can be found at: https://unfccc.int/MA.

The multilateral assessment is part of the international assessment and review (IAR) process for developed country Parties which assesses individual countries on their progress in meeting their 2020 targets. By providing up to date, expert-reviewed information and opportunities for peer engagement, the IAR helps promoting the comparability of efforts among all developed countries and building confidence that all developed countries are implementing climate actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. During the climate dialogues 10 Parties: Australia, European Union, Finland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland shared their achievements, innovative climate actions and experiences in meeting the 2020 climate targets. The MA process serves as foundation of the enhanced transparency framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement, which represents an important component of increasing ambition to tackle climate change by building trust and confidence that countries are taking actions. The Parties’ video presentations and background information can be found at: https://unfccc.int/MA.

The multilateral assessment is part of the international assessment and review (IAR) process for developed country Parties which assesses individual countries on their progress in meeting their 2020 targets. By providing up to date, expert-reviewed information and opportunities for peer engagement, the IAR helps promoting the comparability of efforts among all developed countries and building confidence that all developed countries are implementing climate actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. During the climate dialogues 10 Parties: Australia, European Union, Finland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland shared their achievements, innovative climate actions and experiences in meeting the 2020 climate targets. The MA process serves as foundation of the enhanced transparency framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement, which represents an important component of increasing ambition to tackle climate change by building trust and confidence that countries are taking actions. The Parties’ video presentations and background information can be found at: https://unfccc.int/MA.

The multilateral assessment is part of the international assessment and review (IAR) process for developed country Parties which assesses individual countries on their progress in meeting their 2020 targets. By providing up to date, expert-reviewed information and opportunities for peer engagement, the IAR helps promoting the comparability of efforts among all developed countries and building confidence that all developed countries are implementing climate actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. During the climate dialogues 10 Parties: Australia, European Union, Finland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland shared their achievements, innovative climate actions and experiences in meeting the 2020 climate targets. The MA process serves as foundation of the enhanced transparency framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement, which represents an important component of increasing ambition to tackle climate change by building trust and confidence that countries are taking actions. The Parties’ video presentations and background information can be found at: https://unfccc.int/MA.

The multilateral assessment is part of the international assessment and review (IAR) process for developed country Parties which assesses individual countries on their progress in meeting their 2020 targets. By providing up to date, expert-reviewed information and opportunities for peer engagement, the IAR helps promoting the comparability of efforts among all developed countries and building confidence that all developed countries are implementing climate actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. During the climate dialogues 10 Parties: Australia, European Union, Finland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland shared their achievements, innovative climate actions and experiences in meeting the 2020 climate targets. The MA process serves as foundation of the enhanced transparency framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement, which represents an important component of increasing ambition to tackle climate change by building trust and confidence that countries are taking actions. The Parties’ video presentations and background information can be found at: https://unfccc.int/MA.

The multilateral assessment is part of the international assessment and review (IAR) process for developed country Parties which assesses individual countries on their progress in meeting their 2020 targets. By providing up to date, expert-reviewed information and opportunities for peer engagement, the IAR helps promoting the comparability of efforts among all developed countries and building confidence that all developed countries are implementing climate actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. During the climate dialogues 10 Parties: Australia, European Union, Finland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland shared their achievements, innovative climate actions and experiences in meeting the 2020 climate targets. The MA process serves as foundation of the enhanced transparency framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement, which represents an important component of increasing ambition to tackle climate change by building trust and confidence that countries are taking actions. The Parties’ video presentations and background information can be found at: https://unfccc.int/MA.

The multilateral assessment is part of the international assessment and review (IAR) process for developed country Parties which assesses individual countries on their progress in meeting their 2020 targets. By providing up to date, expert-reviewed information and opportunities for peer engagement, the IAR helps promoting the comparability of efforts among all developed countries and building confidence that all developed countries are implementing climate actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. During the climate dialogues 10 Parties: Australia, European Union, Finland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland shared their achievements, innovative climate actions and experiences in meeting the 2020 climate targets. The MA process serves as foundation of the enhanced transparency framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement, which represents an important component of increasing ambition to tackle climate change by building trust and confidence that countries are taking actions. The Parties’ video presentations and background information can be found at: https://unfccc.int/MA.

The multilateral assessment is part of the international assessment and review (IAR) process for developed country Parties which assesses individual countries on their progress in meeting their 2020 targets. By providing up to date, expert-reviewed information and opportunities for peer engagement, the IAR helps promoting the comparability of efforts among all developed countries and building confidence that all developed countries are implementing climate actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. During the climate dialogues 10 Parties: Australia, European Union, Finland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland shared their achievements, innovative climate actions and experiences in meeting the 2020 climate targets. The MA process serves as foundation of the enhanced transparency framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement, which represents an important component of increasing ambition to tackle climate change by building trust and confidence that countries are taking actions. The Parties’ video presentations and background information can be found at: https://unfccc.int/MA.

The multilateral assessment is part of the international assessment and review (IAR) process for developed country Parties which assesses individual countries on their progress in meeting their 2020 targets. By providing up to date, expert-reviewed information and opportunities for peer engagement, the IAR helps promoting the comparability of efforts among all developed countries and building confidence that all developed countries are implementing climate actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. During the climate dialogues 10 Parties: Australia, European Union, Finland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland shared their achievements, innovative climate actions and experiences in meeting the 2020 climate targets. The MA process serves as foundation of the enhanced transparency framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement, which represents an important component of increasing ambition to tackle climate change by building trust and confidence that countries are taking actions. The Parties’ video presentations and background information can be found at: https://unfccc.int/MA.

The multilateral assessment is part of the international assessment and review (IAR) process for developed country Parties which assesses individual countries on their progress in meeting their 2020 targets. By providing up to date, expert-reviewed information and opportunities for peer engagement, the IAR helps promoting the comparability of efforts among all developed countries and building confidence that all developed countries are implementing climate actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. During the climate dialogues 10 Parties: Australia, European Union, Finland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland shared their achievements, innovative climate actions and experiences in meeting the 2020 climate targets. The MA process serves as foundation of the enhanced transparency framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement, which represents an important component of increasing ambition to tackle climate change by building trust and confidence that countries are taking actions. The Parties’ video presentations and background information can be found at: https://unfccc.int/MA.

Women for Results recognizes the critical leadership and participation of women in addressing climate change. Narrated by Anne Hathaway, UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, it tells the story of the winners of the 2020 UN Global Climate Action Awards, in the Women for Results category: ● Elemental Excelerator | Global: The first organization to apply a technology accelerator model to addressing climate change, investing in startups with the potential to decarbonize economies. ● Nature-Based Solutions to Increase Urban Adaptability | Thailand: A landscape architect who is building innovative landscape solutions, making Bangkok more resilient to climate change. ● Health In Harmony | Indonesia, Madagascar, Brazil: An organization that reverses deforestation by meeting the health & economic needs of local communities through women-led innovation. ● Bioplanet Programme | Brazil: A Brazilian company that has found a technological way to reuse residual kitchen fats to produce biodiesel. ● RISE2030 | Lebanon: A community-led initiative that launched the first all-women solar team in Lebanon to challenge the gender stereotypes in the male-dominated construction sector. Learn more: https://unfccc.int/news/winners-of-the-2020-un-global-climate-action-awards-announced.

The World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) brings together business leaders, policymakers and experts to present the world’s best circular economy solutions. Tune in at 15:25 to hear Cliona Howie speak about circular economy's ability to decarbonise regions at scale and its strategic role in the EU Green Deal.

Video displayed at Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue to consider how to strengthen adaptation and mitigation action, during the Climate Change Dialogue on 3rd December 2020.

Keynote at the Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue to consider how to strengthen adaptation and mitigation action, during the Climate Change Dialogue on 3rd December 2020.

Keynote at the Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue to consider how to strengthen adaptation and mitigation action, during the Climate Change Dialogue on 3rd December 2020.

Keynote at the Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue to consider how to strengthen adaptation and mitigation action, during the Climate Change Dialogue on 3rd December 2020.

Keynote at the Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue to consider how to strengthen adaptation and mitigation action, during the Climate Change Dialogue on 3rd December 2020.

Video displayed at Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue to consider how to strengthen adaptation and mitigation action, during the Climate Change Dialogue on 2nd December 2020.

Statement at the High-level Opening on Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue to consider how to strengthen adaptation and mitigation action, during the Climate Change Dialogue on 2nd December 2020.

Video displayed at Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue to consider how to strengthen adaptation and mitigation action, during the Climate Change Dialogue on 2nd December 2020.

Statement at the High-level Opening on Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue to consider how to strengthen adaptation and mitigation action, during the Climate Change Dialogue on 2nd December 2020.

Statement at the High-level Opening on Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue to consider how to strengthen adaptation and mitigation action, during the Climate Change Dialogue on 2nd December 2020.

More progress is needed to improve the gender composition of constituted bodies: - Only 31% of constituted body members are women - Only two of the sixteen constituted bodies have at least 50% women members - 5 bodies could not reach more than 20% Fortunately, some change is underway - in 2020 the Bureau in the first of its history has reached gender parity

Join CDSB and speakers EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness, Patrick de Cambourg, EFRAG, Filip Gregor, Alliance for Corporate Transparency (Frank Bold) and Mardi McBrien to discuss the state of EU environmental disclosure in 2020, and the developing landscape of non-financial reporting in Europe. Download the report: https://www.cdsb.net/nfrd2020

A team of peer energy educators at PMG Vasil Drumev School in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, presents its work and gives tips on how to save the planet. The project was supported by the National Trust Ecofund. The school is part of the BEACON project of the European Climate Initiative (EUKI).

We may waste up to a third of the food we buy! The EPA’s Odile le Bolloch recently appeared on the @ClaireByrneLive show to share some tips on reducing our food waste (which costs the average Irish household €700 every year). @stopfoodwaste #food #foodwaste #stopfoodwaste #foodplanning #EatitorFreezeit

Divestment and Climate Action Earlier this year, Greta Thunberg called on world leaders at Davos to end the ‘madness’ of fossil fuel investments and subsidies. In a letter co-authored with other youth climate activists from across the globe, they demanded that all companies, banks, institutions and governments ‘immediately and completely divest from fossil fuels’, citing the $1.9tn that has been poured into fossil fuels since the 2015 Paris Agreement. The global climate movement has grown exponentially over the past few years, increasingly putting pressure on high profile institutions and companies to take action and change their investment portfolios to exclude fossil fuel companies, with some notable successes. Many universities hold endowments funds comprising millions of pounds, and whether these investments are held in companies that discover, extract and distribute fossil fuels raises difficult moral questions. But is divesting from these companies the best way for large institutional investors like universities to effect change in the energy sector, or is it just needless ‘virtue-signalling’? Is it a problem that universities considering divestment accept large donations from the energy sector? Finally, would it not be more productive to stay invested and capitalised on their position as stakeholders to pressure Big Oil to be more environmentally responsible? In the light of Cambridge University’s recent announcement to fully divest and the tireless campaigns within Oxford and its colleges for divestment, we look forward to discussing the role that universities and colleges can play, as investors, in the transition to a cleaner economy. To provide insight to this debate, we are delighted to be joined by Jonathon Porritt and Dr Ellen Quigley. Jonathon Porritt is a veteran campaigner and eminent writer, broadcaster and commentator on sustainable development. A prominent member of the Green Party in its early days, he served as co-chair and presided over changes that rapidly expanded the party’s membership. He is the Founder-director of the Forum for the Future, one of the UK’s leading sustainable development charities, and was previously the Director of Friends of the Earth from 1984-1990. An alumnus of Magdalen College, where he studied modern languages, Jonathon was installed as the Chancellor of Keele University in February 2012 and is also a Visiting Professor at Loughborough University and UCL. Dr Ellen Quigley is the Advisor to the Chief Financial Officer at the University of Cambridge, on Responsible Investment. A Research Associate in Climate Risk and Sustainable Finance at the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, she was lead author of a report titled Divestment: Advantages and Disadvantages for the University of Cambridge, published earlier this year. She holds an A.B in english literature from Harvard College, an MSc in Nature, Society and Environmental Policy from the University of Oxford and a PhD in Economics Education from the University of Cambridge. You can find more about our speakers at the following links: http://www.jonathonporritt.com/biographies/ https://www.cser.ac.uk/team/ellen-quigley/