Environment, climate and science

Eurostat has just published the 2020 report on EU progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Those where it has underperformed particularly affect women.

Most European countries are emerging from lockdowns, and the discussion is now dominated by who got it right and who didn’t, what were the most effective approaches, what can we learn and how can we hold governments accountable.

The Covid-19 crisis brought about unprecedented reductions in CO2 emissions and energy consumption, benefiting renewables. This effect may be temporary however – but it could also mark the beginning of an ecological transition compatible with safeguarding the planet.

Both capitals have opted for opposing mobility models – with and without restrictions. However the epidemic’s impact has not been in line with those of neighbouring countries, but rather, like those on the other side of the European continent.

Europe is set to lose up to 15,000 km of shoreline due to erosion. The UK, France, Ukraine, Ireland, Greece, Spain and Italy will be especially affected. And European holidaymakers will find less sand on beaches during their trips to warm destinations around the world.

Eastern Europe still has something that the West lost long ago: vast areas of virgin forest. They are the last remaining ones on the continent and could play a vital role in the battle against the climate crisis, yet they are being mercilessly torn down. Part of this multi-billion euro industry is a mafia-like system that stretches all the way from Romania to Ukraine. And Austrian timber companies and their reclusive owners are right at the heart of it.