EU Climate Policy

Knowledge Package

Do Biofuels Destroy Forests? Link between Deforestation and Biofuel Use

Do Biofuels Destroy Forests? Link between Deforestation and Biofuel Use
Sustainable biofuels have the potential to foster rural development and to replace fossil fuels. Although there are concerns about food security, impacts on small-scale farmers, more competition for water, local pollution and increased deforestation, this knowledge package concludes that various difficulties make it impossible to quantify the relationship between biofuel production and deforestation and to map it at the global...Read more
Knowledge Package

The Costs of Mitigation: An Overview

The Costs of Mitigation: An Overview
There is quite a vast landscape of different definitions used for the word 'cost' related to the concepts of climate change. To enhance appropriate application and interpretation, this knowledge package explains the various terms in the climate change debate. Furthermore, it provides cost estimates for mitigation expressed in consumption losses for 2020 through 2100 and argues that costs would further...Read more
Knowledge Package

Mitigation: Co-Benefits and Interlinkages to Adaptation

Mitigation: Co-Benefits and Interlinkages to Adaptation
Climate mitigation is a popular strategy to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Various options are available for both mitigation policy and technology measures, providing enough economic potential to offset the projected emissions growth. It is crucial for policymakers to be aware of possible side effects, such as co-benefits and interlinkages to adaptation, to pursue a cost-effective implementation...Read more
Knowledge Package

Non-Market Based Approaches: Status of Discussions under the UNFCCC

Non-Market Based Approaches: Status of Discussions under the UNFCCC
The opposition of few countries to market mechanisms coupled with limitations for involving developing countries, parties under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change are considering measures known as non-market-based approaches, like policies and regulations. This knowledge package shows the involvement of definition of non-market-based approach, ensuring environmental integrity and ensuring sustainable development.Read more
Knowledge Package

Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation in the EU

Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation in the EU
Mainstreaming climate adaptation concerns into other policies can increase the effectiveness of reducing climate change impacts. The critical aspect of it is sufficient awareness of decision-makers on all levels that climate change impacts should be minimised. Therefore, information on potential impacts needs to be available,so that decision-makers are aware of them and a wide range of stakeholders is involved in...Read more
Knowledge Package

Technical Options for Climate Change Mitigation in EU Agriculture

Technical Options for Climate Change Mitigation in EU Agriculture
Agriculture and land management play a central role in climate change mitigation in the EU. The potential of greenhouse gas mitigation measures differs according to regional characteristics and farming systems. Since there is great diversity in natural conditions and farming systems, selection of the most appropriate practices will vary according to context and depend on specific agronomic, environmental and climatic...Read more
Knowledge Package

Agriculture and Climate Change in the EU: An Overview

Agriculture and Climate Change in the EU: An Overview
Agriculture is an important source of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU, while also being heavily affected by climate change. Mitigation and adaptation have to be prioritised by both farmers and policy makers in order to coordinate efforts to reduce emissions from the sector and meet demands for food. Balancing these sometimes competing interests presents a significant policy challenge. Read more
Knowledge Package

Article 7 of the EED: Will MSs Achieve their Energy Savings Targets?

Article 7 of the EED: Will MSs Achieve their Energy Savings Targets? | Fotolia © lucadp
Article 7 of the Energy Efficiency Directive obliges Member States to develop an Energy Efficiency Obligation scheme or/and use alternative measures like energy certificates, minimum energy performance requirements etc. After 2012, Member States were obliged to report their planned measures through National Energy Efficiency Action Plans. This knowledge package provides an overview of how Member States have implemented the Article 7.Read more
Knowledge Package

Energy Efficiency Policy Instruments in the European Union

Energy Efficiency Policy Instruments in the European Union | Fotolia © Eisenhans
Energy Efficiency Obligations are the cornerstone of the Energy Efficiency Directive from 2012. Under such obligations energy companies are responsible for generating energy savings. This policy was already successfully implemented in 6 EU Member States. Other policies like nearly zero energy buildings and energy certification are also planned. This knowledge package investigates the range of energy efficiency policies that are...Read more
Knowledge Package

Household Contribution to Buildings' Carbon Footprint

Fotolia © Brian Jackson
Households remain one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector, due to their energy consumptions, with certain Member States having thrice or more the household emission footprint than others. The efforts carried out to minimize their emissions have brought certain results, but more actions are considered necessary. Improvement of households' energy efficiency is a...Read more

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