The aim of the legislative proposal for a Union certification framework for carbon removals initiative is to ensure high-quality EU certified carbon removals, through a transparent and credible governance framework. In doing so, this would open up the possibility for further investments towards carbon removal activities and increased deployment.

EPRS podcast policy - A Union certification framework for carbon removals

As co-legislator, Parliament has long been supportive of EU biodiversity protection and climate change policies.

The EU has played an important international role in seeking solutions to biodiversity loss, deforestation and climate change. The 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change notes the importance of ensuring the integrity of all ecosystems and the protection of biodiversity. As part of the European Green Deal, the Commission has proposed a new biodiversity strategy that aims to put Europe’s biodiversity on the path to recovery by 2030, for the benefit of people, the climate and the planet.

Biodiversity Strategy 2030

Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to Europe and the world. Therefore in December 2019 the Commission presented a communication on a European Green Deal that sets out a detailed vision to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, safeguard biodiversity, establish a circular economy and eliminate pollution, while boosting the competitiveness of European industry and ensuring a just transition for the regions and workers affected.

Parliament has played an important role in pushing for more ambitious EU climate legislation and declared a climate emergency on 28 November 2019.&nbsp; The European Climate Law writes&nbsp;into law the goal to become climate neutral by 2050 and attain the intermediate target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels).&nbsp;After 2050 the EU will aim for negative emissions. In July&nbsp;2021 the European Commission presented its “Fit for 55 in 2030” package-the legislative tool to deliver on the targets agreed in the European Climate law.

The EP adopted the new Nature restoration law during its February plenary. The new law sets a target for the EU to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. The EU nature restoration law, agreed with member states, will restore degraded ecosystems in all member states, help achieve the EU’s climate and biodiversity objectives and enhance food security.

To reach the overall EU targets, member states must restore at least 30% of habitats covered by the new law (from forests, grasslands and wetlands to rivers, lakes and coral beds) from a poor to a good condition by 2030, increasing to 60% by 2040, and 90% by 2050. In line with Parliament’s position, EU countries should give priority to&nbsp;Natura 2000 areas&nbsp;until 2030. Once in a good condition, EU countries shall ensure an area does not significantly deteriorate. Member states will also have to adopt national restoration plans detailing how they intend to achieve these targets.

European Green Deal

Oceans need to be managed sustainably in order to conserve our fragile marine ecosystems.

Although oceans are essential to us in many ways, the state of marine biodiversity remains little known. What we do know, however, is that human activities create a number of pressures such as (over-)exploitation, carbon emissions, and pollution, including marine litter.

It is estimated that there are over 150 million tonnes of plastic in the world's seas and that, without significant action, there may be more plastic than fish (by weight) in the sea by 2050. Some marine litter consists of microplastics; these originate from the breaking down of larger plastic pieces or are released directly into the environment.

Ocean protection

GMO stands for genetically modified organisms. They are organisms whose genetic material has been artificially modified in order to give it a new property. For example, this could be to make it easier for a plant to resist a disease, insects or drought, or to increase crop productivity.

The EU's GMO legislation stems from 1990 when the first two directives concerning GMOs came into force. Both original directives have since been updated, but the definition of a GMO has remained unchanged. This is causing problems for new techniques developed since then. New plant genetic modification techniques, referred to as 'gene editing' or 'genome editing', have evolved rapidly in recent years, allowing much faster and more precise results than conventional plant-breeding techniques. They are seen as a promising, innovative field for the agri-food industry, offering great technical potential.There is, however, considerable debate as to how these new techniques should be regulated, and whether some or all of them should fall within the scope of EU legislation on genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

See more on this topic by visiting our <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/genetically-modified-organism-8th-parliamentary-term_6504_pk">package</a> for the 8th parliamentary term.

Genetically modified organism

Launched in 1992, the LIFE programme is the only EU fund entirely dedicated to environmental and climate objectives. It supports the implementation of relevant EU legislation and the development of key policy priorities, by co-financing projects with European added value.

LIFE programme for 2021-2027 will become the EU's most ambitious climate and environmental programme. It would support projects in the areas of nature and biodiversity, circular economy and quality of life, clean energy transition, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. The total budget allocated for LIFE is EUR 5.4 billion, of which EUR 3.5 billion will go to environmental activities and EUR 1.9 billion to climate action. The programme is part of the Green deal package proposed by the European Commission.

LIFE

As part of a shift in EU policy towards a circular economy, the European Parliament worked on four legislative proposals introducing new waste-management targets regarding reuse, recycling and landfilling. The proposals also strengthen provisions on waste prevention and extended producer responsibility, and streamline definitions, reporting obligations and calculation methods for targets.

#EUelections2019 - Circular economy

On 27 March 2019, Parliament approved a new law banning single-use plastic items such as plates, cutlery, straws and cotton buds.

A milestone success is the ban of single-use plastic products such as cutlery, cotton buds, plates, straws, beverage stirrers and balloon sticks which will be banned from the EU market from 2021.

#EUelections2019 - Single use plastics

The European Parliament has been pushing for the implemention of its 2030 goals to be in line with the targets set by the Paris Agreement. MEPs managed to push through a higher target for reducing EU fleet-wide emissions for new cars by 2030 (40% compared to the EU Commission’s 30%; year of reference 2021). There is an intermediate target of 20% by 2025. Similar targets are set for new vans as well.

On 17 December 2015 the EP decided to set up the Committee of inquiry into Emission Measurements in the Automotive Sector (EMIS) to investigate in detail alleged breaches and maladministration in relation to emission measurements in the automotive sector. On 4 April 2019, the EMIS final report was discussed and legislation voted and approved during the plenary session in Strasbourg.

#EUelections2019 - Car emissions

The European Parliament has been pushing for the implemention of its 2030 goals to be in line with the targets set by the Paris Agreement.

To achieve the set goals the EU’s budget should also be coherent with its international commitments, and the post-2020 long-term budget should have climate and energy targets at its heart. The share of climate-related spending should be increased from 20% to 30% as soon as possible, and all remaining spending should be Paris-compliant and not counter-productive to climate efforts.

#EUelections2019 - Climate change

EU countries are required to drastically reduce the use of the most common and polluting plastic bags under new rules voted by Parliament on 28 April 2015.

In 2010 EU citizens used an estimated 198 plastic carrier bags, some 90% of which were lightweight. Binding reduction targets were put in place. EU member states will be able to choose: either to take measures to reduce annual average consumption of plastic bags to 90 lightweight bags per citizen by the end of 2019 or 40 by the end of 2025. Since the end of 2018, no more light plastic bags are given to shoppers free of charge.

#EUelections2019 - Plastics bags

By making energy more efficient, Europeans will see their energy bills reduced. In addition, Europe will diminish its reliance on external suppliers of oil and gas, improve local air quality and protect the climate.

By 2030, energy efficiency in the EU must have improved by 32.5%, whereas the share of energy from renewables should make up at least 32% of the EU’s gross final consumption. Both targets are to be reviewed by 2023. These targets can only be raised, not lowered. Lower energy bills and the right to become a renewable self-consumer will be the result.

#EUelections2019 - Clean energy and energy efficiency

The drinking water directive achieved the update of a list of parameters to monitor drinking water, in line with technical and scientific progress. The vote on this report, adopted on 28 March 2019, closes Parliament’s first reading, which reached its position in October 2018.
Two other aspects include the importance of transparency for citizens and consumers as regards water quality, and the improvement of accessibility to drinking water for everyone.

#EUelections2019 - Drinking water quality

Plans to boost trust in the EU approval procedure of pesticides, by making it more transparent and accountable, were put forward by Parliament on 16 January 2019.

The European Parliament, on 6 February 2018, set up a special committee on the European Union’s authorization procedure for pesticides (PEST). MEPs want the public to be granted access to the studies used in the procedure to authorize a pesticide, including all the supporting data and information relating to the applications.&nbsp; Parliament is of the opinion that vulnerable groups should be more protected.

#EUelections2019 - Use of pesticides in the EU

Oceans need to be managed sustainably in order to conserve our fragile marine ecosystems.

Although oceans are essential to us in many ways, the state of marine biodiversity remains little known. What we do know, however, is that human activities create a number of pressures such as (over-)exploitation, carbon emissions, and pollution, including marine litter. The European Union has been active in promoting the sustainable use of the seas. In early 2018, the European Commission presented a strategy to address the issue of plastics pollution, including microplastics in our seas.

Ocean protection (2019-2020)

Parliament is set to approve new rules aiming to protect the environment in the EU through criminal law.

Following a debate on Monday, MEPs are expected to give their final green light to a new directive on environmental crime, as agreed with the member states in November 2023, on Tuesday. The new law provides an updated list of environmental crimes including illegal timber trade, depletion of water resources or breaches of EU chemicals legislation. It also introduces the so-called qualified offence of causing the destruction of an ecosystem, such as large-scale forest fires, and thus comparable to ecocide.

Individual offenders, including company representatives, can face prison sentences of up to five or ten years depending on the severity of the crime. They will also be required to reinstate the environment they destroyed and compensate for the damage. Companies can also face fines of up to 5% of their worldwide turnover or 40 million euro.

Background

The new legislation aims to tackle the rising number of environmental crimes in the EU. Environmental crime is the fourth largest criminal activity in the world and is one of the main sources of income for organised crime alongside drugs, weapons and human trafficking.

Press conference -  Environmental crime directive

EP Plenary session - Union certification framework for carbon removals

French SME active in beekeeping - Honey producer

David SASSOLI, EP President meets with Mark RUFFALO, actor and environmental activist

EP Plenary session - COP15 to the Convention on Biological Diversity (Kunming 2020)

Outside view of the COP25 in Madrid on December 14, 2019.

Plenary session - Reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment

New recycle bin for aluminium coffee caps

Conference - ' Private landowners, what role for Europe's nature '

EP plenary session - Establishing a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE)

As part of the 'Fit for 55' package, the European Commission presented a legislative proposal to review the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). The aim of the review is to align the EU ETS Directive with the EU target set out in the European Climate Law to reduce net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 55 % by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. To this end, the amount of emission allowances would be reduced, fewer allowances would be allocated for free, and the ETS would be extended to maritime transport. This would reduce emissions in the ETS sectors by 61 % by 2030, compared to 2005. A separate new emissions trading system would be established for fuel distribution for road transport and buildings. The Innovation Fund and the Modernisation Fund would be enlarged, and Member States would be obliged to spend all of their ETS revenues on climate action. Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

EPRS - Review of the EU ETS

Vanheede industrial fermentation plant converts organic products into biomethane, which is then converted into electricity via a gas engine. The plant at Quévy is fitted with an installed capacity of 2.45 MW, enabling Vanheede Biomass Solutions to supply electricity to some 5,000 families. The heat generated is recovered in-house. The digestate is upgraded as a soil supplement for agricultural use.

Infoclip: Methane emissions

This infoclip illustrates the challenges and the perspectives for the application of the Green Deal, in the perspective of the SOTEU 2021 (effect of the Climate Change, pollution and CO2 emissions, use of renewables and unspoiled nature).

Infoclip: Green Deal

Up to 12.7 million tonnes of plastic enters the oceans each year. About three quarters of the marine litter in the world's seas is plastic. As from the 3rd of July 2021, according to the legislation adopted by the European Parliament in 2019, single use plastic items such as straws or plastic plates will be forbidden. This infoclip illustrates the uses of various sort of alternatives to single use plastics in fast-food and shopping.

Infoclip: Alternatives to single use plastics

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (17-20 May 2021), MEPs debate on the liability of companies for environmental damage. Closing statement by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries.

Liability of companies for environmental damage: closing statement by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (17-20 May 2021), MEPs debate on the liability of companies for environmental damage.

Liability of companies for environmental damage: MEPs debate

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (17-20 May 2021), MEPs debate on the liability of companies for environmental damage (continuation of the debate).

Liability of companies for environmental damage: MEPs debate (continuation)

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (17-20 May 2021), MEPs debate on the liability of companies for environmental damage: opening statements by Antonius MANDERS (EPP, NL), rapporteur and by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries by Caroline ROOSE (Greens/EFA,FR) DEVE; Delara BURKHARDT (S&D,DE) ENVI. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery.

Liability of companies for environmental damage: opening statements by Antonius MANDERS (EPP, NL), rapporteur, Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Caroline ROOSE (Greens/EFA, FR), and by Delara BURKHARDT (S&D, DE)

During the plenary session (26-29 April 2021) in the European Parliament in Brussels, MEPs debate on the programme for the environment and climate action (LIFE) 2021-2027: opening statements by Nils TORVALDS (Renew, FI), rapporteur and by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery.

Programme for the environment and climate action (LIFE) 2021-2027: opening statements by Nils TORVALDS (Renew, FI), rapporteur and by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment

During the plenary session (26-29 April 2021) in the European Parliament in Brussels, MEPs debate on the programme for the environment and climate action (LIFE) 2021-2027.

Programme for the environment and climate action (LIFE) 2021-2027: MEPs debate

During the plenary session (26-29 April 2021) in the European Parliament in Brussels, MEPs debate on the programme for the environment and climate action (LIFE) 2021-2027: closing statement by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment.

Programme for the environment and climate action (LIFE) 2021-2027: closing statement by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment.

This stockshot shows three examples of hydrogen use: a hydrogen-powered vessel, the production and use of hydrogen from wind turbine electricity, and the construction of the world’s largest electrolyser for producing hydrogen from renewable sources.

Infoclip: European Green Deal - Hydrogen strategy

During the plenary session (24-25 March 2021) in the European Parliament in Brussels, Catherine CHABAUD (Renew, FR), rapporteur, gives a short presentation of his report on Impact on fisheries of marine litter. Follows a statement by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries. (This transcription is a result of an authomatic process, please check against delivery).

Impact on fisheries of marine litter: report by Catherine CHABAUD (Renew, FR), and statement by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (08-11 March 2021), MEPs debate call on the Commission to urgently present a law that ensures companies are held accountable and liable when they harm human rights, the environment and good governance; extracts from the debate (08/03) with Lara WOLTERS (S&D, NL), Rapporteur, Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice, Pascal DURAND (Renew, FR), Heidi HAUTALA (Greens/EFA, FI), Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA (ECR, ES), Manon AUBRY (The Left, FR) and the final vote (10/03).

Corporate due diligence and corporate accountability:extracts from the debate (08/03) and the final vote (10/03)

Members of the EP Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) vote on Establishing an EU Strategy for Sustainable Tourism. Statement by Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR (EPP,PT), rapporteur. Illustrations tourism in crisis in the EU.

TRAN Committee - Vote on Establishing an EU Strategy for Sustainable Tourism: statement by Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR (EPP,PT), rapporteur

Members of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) meet in the European Parliament in Brussels. During the public hearing, they consider the loss of biodiversity and the extent to which this increases the risk of pandemics due to land use change, climate change and wildlife trade. They hold a discussion on the role and possibilities of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 in countering biodiversity loss and in increasing commitment in the EU as well as globally. Statements by Sabien Leemans, Senior Biodiversity Policy Officer, WWF; Evelyn Underwood, Senior Policy Analyst, Biodiversity andEcosystem Services Programme, IEEP; Thomas Resl, Director of the Federal Institute of Agricultural Economics, Rural and Mountain Research (Austria).

Public hearing on facing the sixth mass extinction and increasing risk of pandemics: what role for the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, at ENVI Committee

Hearing by the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety in Brussels. The meeting will consider the loss of biodiversity and the extent to which this increases the risk of pandemics due to land use change, climate change and wildlife trade. There will be a discussion on the role and possibilities of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 in countering biodiversity loss and in increasing commitment in the EU as well as globally. Dr Anne LARIGAUDERIE, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, and Dr Hans BRUYNINCKX, Executive Director of the European Environment Agency, open the public hearing.

This infoclip illustrates various types of nature and biodiversity in Europe, and a series of EU-funded projects aiming to protect habitats and species on land, in the air and in the marine environment.

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