Primary and old-growth forests in the EU are rare, small and fragmented. They make up less than 3% of Europe’s total forested area. They are untouched natural ecosystems, where there are few or no signs of human impact and wildlife thrives as it has for centuries. These forests play a key role in conserving biodiversity, absorbing and storing carbon, providing fresh water, regulating local climate conditions and keeping humans healthy. They’re also home to many endangered species. 
Protecting Europe’s forests is not just the responsibility of individual Member States. It is a shared commitment at EU level. The European Parliament is at the centre of these efforts as a strong advocate for preserving primary and old-growth forests.

Safeguarding Europe’s ancient forests for future generations

Two out of three young people in Europe wish to contribute to the green transition through their jobs. However, 45 % of young Europeans lack the green skills to do so. Young people should be equipped with the relevant skills and knowledge to act on environmental and climate change challenges. The idea of an ‘Erasmus green cities’ scheme would be to provide young people with volunteering and paid traineeships in local green projects.

Towards a 'climate action corps' for young people in Europe

Pollinating insects play a fundamental role in our ecosystem, but all over the world they are facing a number of threats: climate change, habitat loss, pests and intensive single-crop farming. These threats are leading to the dramatic decline of both wild and managed pollinator species, in spite of how vital they are to our well-being and nature. The EU is working to protect all pollinators.

Protecting pollinators

The COVID-19 global pandemic and Russia’s war against Ukraine had a significant impact on the European Parliament’s agenda during its ninth parliamentary term. In the wake of a health crisis and geopolitical challenges, during its ninth legislative term, Parliament focussed on the green and digital transitions to enhance the EU’s resilience while also strengthening democratic values.

The ninth legislative term of the European Parliament

Europe is one of the most forest-rich regions in the world: around 40% of its land area is covered by this ecosystem. Forests are essential for our health and wellbeing, and the health of the planet. They are rich in biodiversity and are hugely important in the fight against climate change. The EU is aware of the role forests can play in our future. That is why - in 2021 - the new Forest Strategy for 2030 was adopted.

The EU forest strategy for 2030

The world is not on track to keep the global temperature rise below 2°C. Even under the most optimistic scenarios, the temperature rise is expected to overshoot 1.5°C for a while, before falling back below 1.5°C thanks to large-scale carbon removals. While action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and scale up carbon dioxide removal remains crucial, there is an urgent need to reinforce efforts to adapt to climate change, in order to avoid losses and build resilience.

EPRS Policy Podcast - Climate overshoot and adaptation: Issues to watch in 2024

As part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package, the European Commission made a legislative proposal to review the EU’s current emissions trading system. In order to achieve the ambitious climate target of a 55 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030, set by the European Climate Law, the EU is further strengthening its emissions trading system. In this episode, we will cover the EU’s emissions trading scheme and its most recent reform as part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package.

The European Union’s Emissions Trading System revised - English

According to the European Commission, buildings consume 40% of the EU’s energy and are responsible for 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. While the entire European Union is trying to limit its energy consumption, urgent measures must be taken to address this situation. In March 2023, Parliament adopted draft measures to increase the rate of renovations and substantially reduce both energy consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions.

A climate neutral building sector by 2050 - English

The policies of the EU on climate and energy are described, as well as the challenges that must be faced in order to achieve the Paris Agreement target of keeping the increase in global temperature well below 2°C and to pursue efforts to achieve 1.5°C.

The EU faces major challenges from the increased threats of climate change, with serious consequences in the energy sector, where urgent issues are arising concerning the national production mix of each Member State. The renewable energy share needs to be increased, and energy efficiency needs to be improved.

Climate change (2019-2020)

The COP 23 Conference on Climate Change, chaired by the Fiji, is held in Bonn, Germany from 6-17 November 2017. 

The program focuses on the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

COP 23

EP Plenary - Council and Commission statements - Outcome of the UN Climate Change Conference 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (COP28)

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Outcome of the UN Climate Change Conference 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (COP28)

Policy Roundtable: Future shocks 2023 - Anticipating and weathering more storms to come

Signing Ceremony Annual EU Day for the Victims of the Global Climate Crisis.

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Protection of workers from extreme heat and other extreme weather phenomena resulting from the climate crisis

EP Plenary session - EU Day for the victims of the global climate crisis

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Social-economic cost of climate change, floods in Emilia Romagna, Marche, Toscana - urgent need EU solidarity

EP Plenary session - New Oil Drilling in Alaska – impact on the global climate crisis and the rights of indigenous peoples

EP Plenary session - IPCC report on Climate Change: a call for urgent additional action

The former Soviet leader and co-founder of Green Cross International (GCI) has long been involved in environmental protection.
 
After co-authoring a report on water scarcity, Mikhail Gorbachev urged European and world leaders to act against the global water crisis and denounced a deficit of political leadership.
 
He addressed the European Parliament during the 2009 international “Peace with Water” conference.
 
 
* Watch the full speech on the European Parliament's Multimedia Centre: http://epyoutube.eu/SpeechGorbachev

Mikhail Gorbachev speech on global water crisis | European Parliament

The European Parliament has been working to protect people and the planet from the worst effects of climate change.   

 It passed ambitious and binding greenhouse gas reduction targets to make Europe the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050, and backed vital funds to help Europeans meet the cost of the green transition.   

New rules encourage cleaner, more efficient energy and industry, creating new jobs and opportunities for businesses.  

EU action on climate change: use your vote in June! 

The European Parliament has been working to protect people and the planet from the worst effects of climate change.   

 It passed ambitious and binding greenhouse gas reduction targets to make Europe the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050, and backed vital funds to help Europeans meet the cost of the green transition.   

New rules encourage cleaner, more efficient energy and industry, creating new jobs and opportunities for businesses.

EU action on climate change: use your vote in June!  - 9:16

Eco-friendly, biodegradable, climate-neutral… 
  
In recent years, many corporations have overstated or misrepresented their green credentials, often misleading consumers with exaggerated environmental or durability claims. So much so that the practice gave rise to the term ‘greenwashing’. 
  
Parliament has voted to outlaw greenwashing and make durability information clear and easily accessible to consumers.  
     
Find out more in our short explainer video.

New EU rules to prevent greenwashing decrypted - EE24

Rising sea levels, excessive logging, the loss of biodiversity... Across the EU, people from all walks of life are concerned about climate change.
 
Meet Anu and Carlos, two climate advocates who are taking concrete steps for the planet. One as an 'Activist Granny' in Finland, the other as a member of the 'Global Shapers' NGO in the Canary Islands.
 
The European Parliament is acting to protect our planet with the European Green Deal, new legislation on carbon emissions and better safeguards for the EU’s biodiversity.

Climate action across generations and nations: meet Anu & Carlos 9:16

Climate action across generations and nations: meet Anu & Carlos

Once elected, Members of the European Parliament have an important job to do. They are the eyes, ears and voices of Europeans in the Parliament. You vote for them, then they vote for you!

Sitting in parliamentary groups, a bit like parties in national parliaments, MEPs listen to people’s concerns, debate, consult with interested parties and vote on laws.

Find out more about the role of MEPs!

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