Maand: mei 2022

Bron: www.eea.europa.eu België: 2022-05-31 12: 45: 00 , News [ad_1] Collectively, the 2020 reduction was the largest in the EU since 1990 and total greenhouse gas emissions reached their lowest level since 1990, according to the official EU data which the EEA submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The overall reduction in 2020 greenhouse gas emissions was 34% compared to the 1990 base year, or 1.94 billion tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent).  The EU had already reduced its emissions by 26% in 2019 and had achieved its 20% target before the pandemic lockdowns started to impact emission levels.  Key drivers that led to emission reductions over the past three decades include the growing use of renewables, the use of less carbon intensive fossil fuels and improvements in energy efficiency, structural changes in the economy, lower demand for heating due to warmer winters in Europe. The effect of the 2020 economic recession triggered by the COVID-19 lockdowns also had a substantial impact on reducing emissions in 2020. All sectors reduced emissions except for transport and refrigeration and air conditioning (although the latter have been decreasing in the last few years). Reductions were largest for manufacturing industries and construction, electricity and heat production, iron and steel production (including energy-related emissions) and residential combustion. Several policies (both EU and country-specific) contributed to the overall greenhouse gas emission reductions, including key agricultural and environmental policies in the 1990s and climate and energy policies in the past 15 years since 2005. Almost all EU Member States reduced emissions compared to 1990 and contributed to the overall positive EU performance. The UK and Germany accounted for 47% of the total net reductions over the past 30 years.   Note to editors The EU’s 2020 target to reduce emissions by 20% excludes net emissions from land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) activities. The target includes international aviation and covers the EU-27 plus the United Kingdom.  The United Kingdom withdrew from the EU on 1 February 2020. Key provisions of Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 (Climate Monitoring Mechanism) apply to the United Kingdom in respect of greenhouse gases emitted during 2019 and 2020, for the purpose of complying with EU commitments under the Kyoto Protocol.  The reduction of 11% from 2019 to 2020 would amount to 8.5% if international aviation emissions are excluded. Emissions from international aviation decreased by 59% between 2019 and 2020. Location field [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van www.eea.europa.eu

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-05-25 17: 58: 48 , ENRD News [ad_1] Poland was the location for the UN’s FAO 33rd Regional Conference for Europe which was attended by EU Agricultural Ministers and referenced ENRD work involved with the transformation of EU agri-food systems. ENRD content profiled in the conference’s opening Ministerial paper drew attention to policy factors enabling better agricultural production and more sustainable agri-food systems. This spotlighted our ENRD Thematic Groups on Carbon Farming and Sustainability agreements as well as ENRD Policy Insights explaining InvestEU opportunities, Fit for 55 Climate action, and Developing Data as digital soil. Conference recommendations involved prioritising nutrition, agroecology and putting an effort to ensure that no-one feels left behind during the continuous transformation of agri-food systems (such as through piloting true cost accounting). Member states’ National Pathway documents from the FAO’s game-changing UN Food Systems Summit were also promoted as useful channels for policy interventions driving transformative agendas in rural Europe - and the wider FAO region (stretching from Greenland to Uzbekistan). CSP and National Pathway alignments offers EU countries scope for international synergy through joined-up policy delivery.   [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-05-25 17:59:59 , ENRD News [ad_1] Rural communities in the Nordics have been among those that adapted to the COVID-19 crisis in a positive way - by harnessing society’s new-found interest in less populated areas as an opportunity for development of tourism and other rural developments. EU rural revitalisation experts heard (during their second ENRD Thematic Group on this topic) about how Europe’s northern areas have received much more interest as places for tourists to visit, and about how to develop thriving sustainable rural areas over the coming decades.  ‘The Rural Way’ episode of a Nordic Talks podcast series was highlighted for the Thematic Group members. It explains how, when COVID-19 hit countries with lockdowns and foreign travel restrictions, rural areas in the Nordic region and elsewhere suddenly got overwhelmed with visitors who overpowered the infrastructure. At the same time, people became more open-minded about rural living, more aware of the potential mental and physical health benefits, as well as more sustainable lifestyles. [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-05-25 18: 01: 50 , ENRD News [ad_1] 2014-2020 compared to 2007-2013, according to an evaluation of the CAP’s impact on knowledge exchange and advisory activities published in May 2022. This evaluation covered CAP instruments and measures supporting knowledge exchange, advisory activities, and innovation in the agriculture and forestry sectors. Elements assessed included the Farm Advisory System, the Agricultural Knowledge and Information System (AKIS) and the agricultural European Innovation Partnership (EIP-AGRI). Conclusions reveal weaknesses in uptake and coherence between the EU measures. Nevertheless, the evaluation shows that the relevant CAP instruments and measures are effective in addressing the objective of creating knowledge exchange, fostering advisory activities and innovation, and helping build knowledge, in particular on technology, cross-compliance, and environmental sustainability. [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-05-25 18: 03: 36 , ENRD News [ad_1] A renewed strategy for the most remote parts of the EU, the so-called outermost regions, refers to CAP support as part of its plans to continue unlocking these rural regions’ potential through appropriate investment and reforms. CAP support to EU outermost regions - Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion and Saint-Martin (France), the Azores and Madeira (Portugal) and the Canary Islands (Spain) will help implement the new strategy. It sees sustainable agriculture as a key sector for growth alongside eco-tourism, the blue economy, renewable energy, research, or space activities. Assets to build on include the regions’ young population and rich biodiversity. Full details of these EU strategic priorities can be found in the Communication: Putting people first, securing sustainable and inclusive growth, unlocking the potential of the EU's outermost regions [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-05-30 10: 13: 24 , ENRD News [ad_1] The European Commission has opened a public consultation on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) for crops and other plants. Views are invited from civil society, public authorities, business operators, and all others. Food sustainability will be a driving force in reaching the goals of the European Green Deal, and in particular those of the Farm to Fork and Biodiversity Strategies. NGTs are capable of altering the genetic material of organisms which could be used for food, industrial, or pharmaceutical purposes. These new techniques, enabling faster, more specific, and more efficient breeding processes, are expected to keep expanding. The public consultation’s factsheet explains how its findings can feed into this work via development of a new regulatory framework. [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-05-30 10: 14: 49 , ENRD News [ad_1] EU Animal welfare legislation is being reviewed through the Farm to Fork Strategy and this will help influence CSP decision-making about CAP funding for beneficiaries. Experts from the European Food Safety Agency’s Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) are contributing to this review. AHAW’s latest meeting concentrated on the protection of animals during transport and the associated welfare consequences for livestock. You can watch a short video summary of the Panel’s outcomes and subscribe to their YouTube channel to stay updated with these EU animal welfare matters. [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-05-30 10: 17: 49 , ENRD News [ad_1] On-farm demonstrations help network new and good practices through peer-learning and a new video guide has been released showing six steps for organising a Do-It-Yourself on-farm demonstration. The FarmDemo tutorial is produced with support from the EU-funded NEFERTITI H2020 project and it covers the full lifecycle of an agri-food demonstration event - including practical and proven advice about defining target audiences, facilitation methods, promotion, and evaluation. [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-05-25 18: 05: 05 , ENRD News [ad_1] As The EU bank, the European Investment Bank Group (EIB) can provide rural Europe with a spectrum of significant investment support. This is evidenced by a recent EIB loan agreement to finance French and Belgian research into new climate change-resistant plant varieties. The EIB’s €40 million finance agreement with family-owned group Florimond Desprez will be used to fund research, development and innovation activities focusing on breeding new crop varieties capable of coping with changes in agro-climatic conditions. Research results should also reduce the environmental footprint of farming activities and, at the same time, safeguard agricultural yields as well as the margins and viability of businesses in the sector. Florimond Desprez focuses on species of crops which are intended for human consumption such as wheat, sugar beet, and potatoes. [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-05-30 10: 38: 04 , ENRD Upcoming Events [ad_1] This panel session aims at presenting and discussing an evaluation framework of the Rural Advisory Services (RAS) that has been developed based on the views and expectations of local advisory services with the purpose of helping self-assessments of performances and their better integration within agricultural knowledge and innovation systems. [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-05-30 10: 22: 18 , ENRD News [ad_1] The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will launch a new study soon to collect data regarding social protection of seasonal workers in EU countries’ agri-food sectors after COVID-19. The EESC appreciates that farming is often a seasonal activity, with production peaks at certain times of the year. For these peaks, the EU agricultural sector (especially fruit and vegetables) is often dependent on a seasonal workforce, mainly from a nonnational labour force including other parts of the EU and third countries. Numerous seasonal workers are employed under short-term contracts, not always with full job security or social security coverage. These workers can be more vulnerable to precarious working and living conditions, fraud, or abuse. You can email the EESC (studies-eesc@eesc.europa.eu) for more information about how this study will help inform social protection in the EU of agri-food sector seasonal workers.   [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-05-26 09: 17: 01 , ENRD News [ad_1] The second meeting of the ENRD Thematic Group (TG) on Making the seven LEADER principles work in practice for all LAGs under the CAP Strategic Plans took place online on 24 May 2022. Presentations from the day are available on the event page.  The meeting facilitated discussion and exchanges between the TG members for a common understanding of the seven LEADER principles, about the factors ‘blocking’ and ‘conducive’ to this and relevant Member State experiences related to the practical implementation of the seven LEADER principles.  Check the event page regularly for further updates, including videos and reporting from the day. [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-05-25 11: 00: 39 , ENRD Upcoming Events [ad_1] The ENRD Contact Point and LAG Šumperský venkov are co-organising a workshop on transnational cooperation as part of LINC2022. The workshop aims to (1) inform participants about upcoming ENRD activities, (2) find out about Local Action Groups` support needs for transnational cooperation, and (3) help with match-making for future cooperation projects. The workshop is open only to registered LINC participants.  [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-05-24 09: 59: 04 , ENRD News [ad_1] The highlights report of the 1st meeting of the Thematic Group (TG) on Carbon Farming (24 March 2022) is now published. The meeting focussed on sharing examples of European good practices and promising initiatives on carbon farming, discussing how these can be upscaled using the CAP and what the key enablers and barriers are to doing this. [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-05-23 11:33:26 , ENRD News [ad_1] The second meeting of the ENRD Thematic Group on Rural Proofing (19 May 2022) developed the discussion on the practical implementation of rural proofing mechanisms within different administrative. All the presentations are available on the event page. The second meeting of this ENRD Thematic Group looked at the practical implementation of rural proofing mechanisms, also looking at the links to the Territorial Impact Assessments (TIA). It built on the outcomes of the 1st TG meeting.  [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: www.belgium.be België: 2022-05-20 15:12:31 , [ad_1] De coronabarometer die sinds maart 2022 op code geel stond, wordt gedeactiveerd. Dat heeft het Overlegcomité beslist. Als gevolg daarvan verdwijnt vanaf maandag 23 mei de mondmaskerplicht in het openbaar vervoer en het Passenger Locator Form voor de meeste reizen. Het Overlegcomité stelt vast dat de besmettingen en het aantal nieuwe hospitalisaties een dalende trend volgen. Het reproductiegetal voor besmettingen en hospitalisaties blijft constant lager dan 1, wat wijst op een duidelijk zwakkere viruscirculatie. Ook het aantal ingenomen bedden op intensieve zorgen schommelt al geruime tijd rond de 100 en blijft daarmee ver onder de drempel van 300. Mondmaskerplicht De mondmaskerplicht vervalt overal behalve in ziekenhuizen, in medische kabinetten (bij de dokter) en in apotheken. Men moet dus niet langer een mondmasker dragen in het openbaar vervoer. Wel blijft het mondmasker aangeraden op erg drukke plaatsen of in zorgomgevingen zoals woonzorgcentra of bij de tandarts, kinesist, psycholoog of logopedist. Ook het goed ventileren van binnenruimtes blijft sterk aangeraden omdat het een sterk wapen is tegen virusoverdracht en in het algemeen goed is voor ons welzijn, onze gezondheid en productiviteit. Reizen Het verbod op niet-essentiële reizen van buiten de Europese Unie wordt opgeheven. Ook vervalt de verplichting tot het testen op dag 1 en 7, de quarantaine van 10 dagen en het kunnen voorleggen van: - het Passenger Locator Form- een geldig vaccinatie-, herstel- of testcertificaat Dit geldt echter niet voor reizigers die uit een land komen met een nieuwe zorgwekkende variant (Variant of Concern). Voor hen blijven de huidige regels van toepassing. Crisisbeheer (‘pandemic preparedness’) Sinds het uitbreken van de Covid-19 pandemie is er een duidelijke versterking gekomen van de verdedigingslinies, onder meer inzake testing, contact tracing, vaccinatie, ventilatie, capaciteit in de gezondheidszorg, pandemische surveillantie (inclusief genoom-sequencing) en mentaal welzijn. Het comité wil deze verdediging duurzaam verankeren en vraagt hiervoor advies aan het Covid Focal Point dat hiervoor nauw zal samenwerken met de deelstaten. Het IMC Volksgezondheid zal onderzoeken of en hoe een extra boosterprik voor een betere bescherming tegen een eventuele nieuwe golf kan zorgen. De minister van Volksgezondheid zal de epidemiologische meerwaarde van het Coronacertificaat en zijn plaats in de barometer verder onderzoeken.   [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van www.belgium.be

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-02-14 19: 59: 29 , ENRD Upcoming Events [ad_1] The Investment Food Forum (IFF) 2022 highlights African investment opportunities in agrifood and offers attendees a comprehensive overview of the food investment landscape, tracking the flow of capital and asset performances in leading economic regions. [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-02-25 17: 09: 40 , ENRD Upcoming Events [ad_1] The AGRIFISH Council brings together ministers from each EU member state. The European Commissioner for agriculture and rural development, the European Commissioner for health and food safety, or the European Commissioner for maritime affairs and fisheries also take part in meetings. [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-03-29 15: 03: 20 , ENRD Upcoming Events [ad_1] As a key component of the Green Deal, in December 2021, the European Commission adopted a Communication on Sustainable Carbon Cycles in which it promotes the upscaling of carbon farming as a green business model and sets out a series of short to medium-term actions to address current challenges to achieve this. The first meeting of the Thematic Group on Carbon Farming focussed on sharing examples of European good practices and promising initiatives on carbon farming, discussing how these can be upscaled using the CAP and what the key enablers and barriers are to doing this. This second meeting will build on the Thematic Group activities so far. It will look at how to demonstrate the success of initiatives in sequestering carbon and agree what conditions need to be put in place to enable the upscaling of carbon farming in all parts of the EU. Aims of the meeting To explore good practices in measuring and reporting on carbon sequestration and storage for different carbon farming practices.   To reflect on the conclusions from the TG member discussions on 18 May on: The mix of financial incentives required to increase uptake of carbon farming activities; Raising awareness and building capacity amongst land managers, advisers, stakeholders, and Managing Authorities on carbon farming. To develop recommendations on the conditions required to enable the upscaling of carbon farming. Background documents [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-03-29 15:09:03 , ENRD Upcoming Events [ad_1] Collective initiatives leading to agreements between actors in the agri-food supply chain have the potential to make a significant contribution to a sustainable food system, ensuring that actors in the food value chain (vertically or horizontally) collaborate effectively to deliver agreed outcomes and ultimately contribute to the achievement of the national and EU goals. The future development of such initiatives depends on the knowledge and ability of stakeholders to manage any challenges. In the first meeting, members took stock of the new regulatory framework and began to identify the key challenges and opportunities for Sustainability Agreements, with a particular focus on what Sustainability Agreements could mean for businesses, the environment, and the consumer.  Aims of the meeting Further explore how the added value of Sustainability Agreements is being realised by businesses and consumers alike. Draw together the conclusions of the Thematic Group. Background documents  [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-04-13 11:10:06 , ENRD Upcoming Events [ad_1] The Rural Pact conference will bring together EU, national, and regional policy makers along with local authorities, social and economic stakeholders in a participatory event that reflects the rural vision’s ambition and bottom-up character. This on-site event will engage participants in designing the governance of the Rural Pact and gather commitments for the achievement of the long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas. To do so, the conference will: Engage all levels of governance and rural stakeholders  Involve participants in implementing the vision  Increase the visibility of rural areas and seek to amplify the voice of rural communities ENRD Contact Point will support the organisation and moderation of two sessions: 'Revitalising rural areas' and 'Rural youth as leaders of change'.  Plenary and breakout sessions will alternate to ensure maximum interaction at this event. Live streaming will be available for plenary sessions only. More information about the agenda and registration here. [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-04-13 11: 46: 17 , ENRD Upcoming Events [ad_1] KINESIS project (Knowledge alliance for social innovation in Shrinking villages) is organising webinars on depopulation and shrinkage on Wednesdays. This sixth and last session will discuss the role of social enterprises in rural community development. [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-05-05 17: 23: 04 , ENRD Upcoming Events [ad_1] Women play a crucial role for the development and economic growth of our rural communities in the EU. They contribute greatly to the viability of farming and of other rural businesses, as well as to their household care and family welfare, to their communities’ life and in general to keep rural areas vibrant. Several studies highlight women’s prominent role in adopting innovative business approaches as well as environmentally friendly land use practices. Yet this key role is too often ‘invisible’, not adequately recognised, and rural women keep facing greater difficulties, compared to men, as regards access to land, loans and the labour market, including the farm business (only ~30% of farms across the EU are managed by women). The existing gender gap is revealed in many other forms: as acknowledged by the European Commission in its Communication on the EU Long Term Vision for Rural Area, women are more exposed to precarious employments; they are more likely to leave rural regions than men; and are less involved in decision-making processes within the household, community and society as a whole. Furthermore, the lack of basic services such as healthcare, childcare and education often forces women to leave paid work to take care of children, based on traditional gender roles, thus amplifying gender inequalities. The EU is committed to improving the situation, notably through the EU Rural Action Plan, by supporting the uptake of female entrepreneurship, women’s participation in decision-making and the provision of adequate services in rural areas to ensure a healthy work-life balance. The CAP, under its Specific Objective 8, will promote employment, growth, gender equality, including the participation of women in farming, social inclusion and local development in rural areas. However, the CAP alone cannot succeed: joint work with other EU and national funding tools and policies is needed, and above all with the European Social Fund, the European Regional Development Fund, and the InvestEU Programme. Aims of the workshop Enhance the understanding of the key challenges faced by women in rural areas across the EU, focusing on access to employment, decision-making processes and services; Discuss successful experiences from different Member States, including strategic approaches as well as individual projects; and Explore possible solutions that can be promoted through the CAP Strategic Plans and other EU funding tools and policies. Background documents [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-05-18 16: 18: 15 , ENRD News [ad_1] The 17th Rural Networks Steering Group Meeting took place on 16 May 2022. The aim of this event was to exchange on the state of play of the CAP Reform and other EU policy initiatives and the preparation of the Rural Pact, including stakeholder feedback and the upcoming EU Conference. This virtual meeting also provided an update on planned and forthcoming rural networks’ activities and a discussion on preliminary ideas about the future Governance of the CAP Networks. All presentations are available here.   [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: www.eea.europa.eu België: 2022-05-18 16: 29: 26 , News [ad_1] The European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change, nominated in March this year, has elected Ottmar Edenhofer as the Board’s first chairperson at a meeting on 17 May in Copenhagen. Ottmar Edenhofer is professor of the Climate Economics and Public Policy at the Technische Universität in Berlin, Germany, Director and Chief Economist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, and Director of the Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change. From 2008 to 2015, Ottmar Edenhofer served as Co-Chair of Working Group III of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and was the group’s lead author contributing to summaries of the IPCC’s 5th assessment report (AR5) and the special report on Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation.In 2020, the Web of Science citation index ranked Ottmar Edenhofer in the top 1% of the most cited scientists in the world in the interdisciplinary science category. During the past three years, the newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung has placed Ottmar Edenhofer in the 20 most influential economists in Germany. Professor Edenhofer advises and collaborates in many boards and committees nationally as well as on European and international level. See short bios of all the members of the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change here. Background The European Climate Law, adopted in June 2021, sets out a binding objective of climate neutrality in the EU by 2050 in pursuit of the long-term temperature goal set out in the Paris Agreement. It also provides a framework for achieving progress in pursuit of the global adaptation goal established in the Paris Agreement. To support the achievement of these objectives the European Climate Law also provides for the establishment of a European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change. The European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change is established through an amendment of the founding regulation of the EEA. The members of the Advisory Board are appointed in a personal capacity for a term of four years, renewable once. They will give their positions completely independently of the Member States and the EU institutions. No more than two members of the Advisory Board can hold the nationality of the same Member State. Location field [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van www.eea.europa.eu

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-05-17 13: 50: 03 , ENRD News [ad_1] The highlights report of the 2nd meeting of the Thematic Group (TG) on Rural Revitalisation (31 March 2022) is now published. The meeting explored and discussed the key enabling factors for rural revitalisation and the lessons emerging from EU- and national-level initiatives. [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: www.eea.europa.eu België: 2022-05-17 12:58:24 , News [ad_1] Policies that promote ‘going circular’ decisions by consumers are most effective if they are designed by addressing factors shaping individual behaviour, according to the new EEA briefing ‘Enabling consumer choices for a circular economy’. The briefing looks at how policies can enable more circular-economy friendly consumer behaviour by understanding the factors that influence it. Consumers and companies both influence demand for products. Producers not only respond to but also shape consumer demand through the products offered and how the products are marketed. Consumer choices shape decisions made by actors upstream, such as product designers, and downstream, such as recyclers, in product supply chains, according to the EEA briefing. While economic factors are key, other factors shape consumers choices too Economic factors, like the price of products, are often the most important in consumer decision-making, while the importance of the other factors is less clear. Other factors that come into play include to what extent the available products meet consumer needs, the information available to consumers, social factors, such as adherence to social norms, community values and examples from role models, and individual preferences and beliefs related to, for instance, prestige, brand loyalty or personal values. Traditionally, policies have aimed to give consumers information (like eco-labels) and to a lesser extent to make circular alternatives more economically attractive.   There are opportunities to explore a range of future policy options across different governance levels, including tax breaks and subsidies, legally binding regulations, avoiding greenwashing, making circular options more convenient, and using eco-labels and measures targeting consumers to, for instance, enhance emotional attachment to products. The European Union has already moved to put on place measures to make circular economy-friendly choices more attractive and convenient for consumers. For example, the European Commission's sustainable products initiative, which focuses on providing information through labelling and product passports, and placing product requirements focusing on durability and recyclability, among others. This initiative recognises the key role of consumers in establishing a circular economy and is expected to enable an acceleration of circularity in the EU economy. [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van www.eea.europa.eu

Bron: enrd.ec.europa.eu België: 2022-05-12 18: 42: 00 , ENRD News [ad_1] The highlights report of the 1st meeting of the Thematic Group (TG) on Sustainability Agreements (17 March 2022) is now published. The meeting was organised to take stock of the new regulatory framework for sustainability agreements and implications for business, the environment, and the consumer; understand how sustainability agreements/collective actions on sustainability are pursued through the food value chain and begin to identify the key enabling conditions and barriers to the development and implementation of sustainability agreements. [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van enrd.ec.europa.eu

Bron: www.eea.europa.eu België: 2022-05-12 13:00:50 , News [ad_1] Achieving a sustainable Europe will require far-reaching societal change, engaging all areas of the economy and society according to the EEA web report ‘Imagining sustainable futures for Europe in 2050’. Since 2020, the EEA and Eionet (Environmental Information and Observation Network) have been exploring how to use qualitative scenarios or ‘imaginaries’ to support environmental assessment and governance. The EEA report is the first output from this process. It sets out four engaging, plausible and clearly contrasting images of a sustainable Europe, reflecting different assumptions about how socio-economic, environmental, technological and political trends will develop and interact, as well as contrasting visions of desirable futures. None of these imaginaries are expected to be fully realised. Yet, they provide a valuable tool to understand the assumptions and trade-offs inherent in different futures and how innovation, policy, finance and public participation can drive transitions. They also provide the basis for further research. For example, the EEA will use these imaginaries to inform analysis of future sustainability for Europe’s key production-consumption systems (food, energy, mobility, buildings) and to support deeper understanding of the EU’s long-term sustainability and resilience to potential global shocks. The EU’s flagship policy framework, the European Green Deal, identifies the need for ‘deeply transformative’ policies and actions in coming decades. Meanwhile, questions about the viability of the current economic models and concepts are moving to the mainstream of academic and policy debates. Recent global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the vulnerabilities of the existing socio-economic system and challenged assumptions about how Europeans will live and work in coming decades. In this complex and uncertain context, Europe’s governments and societies are increasingly looking to so-called strategic foresight approaches to explore possible futures and their implications for policy and planning today. Foresight methods can assist decision-making in a variety of ways, for example in scanning for emerging trends, innovations and risks; drawing out tacit values and assumptions about the future; building common ground and shared visions; and developing a shared understanding of barriers and opportunities.   [ad_2] Lees dit artikel en meer van www.eea.europa.eu