Clouds play a key role in cooling the Earth's surface through dispersing rain and reflecting sunlight back into space. Through studying the role of secondary aerosol particles in cloud formation, EU-funded researchers hope to help sharpen future climate projections based on global models.
EU-funded researchers are reconstructing how the chemical composition of the world's sea water evolved, using brachiopod shells. Their findings should advance understanding of recent changes to our climate.
Is it possible to produce electric cars on a very large scale? At the moment, this can depend on costly materials that must be imported. More specifically, this concern relates to the rare earth magnets on which their motors tend to rely. EU-funded researchers have developed promising technology that works without them.
Damage and loss from flash floods, landslides and avalanches have increased in recent decades, and experts predict a further increase in intensity, frequency and impact. The EU-funded CHANGES project has developed modelling tools that can help governments to at least ensure such events are less catastrophic. Some of the tools are already being used.
The EU-funded DARWIN project is developing and testing European resilience management guidelines together with crisis and resilience practitioners. The objective is to make Europe a safer and more resilient place for its citizens.
Important findings from an EU-funded project's investigation into how electrical and electronic equipment waste - or e-waste - is dealt with could help policymakers and law enforcement agencies put a stop to illegal trading and increase recycling rates. Several key recommendations are already being implemented.
The EU-funded ENSPIRIT project is developing an innovative emission abatement system capable of reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) pollution levels and meeting stringent new regulations on particle matter.
Promising all-electric systems being developed for next-generation aircraft look set to transform the skies over Europe, reducing fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions and increasing competitiveness, according to EU-funded researchers.
A group of EU-funded engineers from across the continent has created a system to help stabilise electricity grids across Europe and ensure a steady energy supply for decades to come.
Farming can be hit hard by extreme weather events such as drought, heatwaves and severe frosts. An EU-funded project has developed new modelling tools to better forecast the impact of extreme weather on agricultural production in Europe and beyond - important for protecting the global food supply.
