By 2050, the global population will soar to 9 billion, with three quarters of this number living in urban areas. Pressure on ecosystems due to population growth, urbanisation and climate change will reach its peak. The EU-funded project ECORISK2050 set out to tackle the daunting task of future environmental risk management of chemicals in the face of global climate change.
Energy costs more on islands, as they are typically isolated from the national grid. While greater use of renewable energy could lower these costs, most European islands don’t have the necessary grid infrastructure. The EU-funded INSULAE project’s demonstrations showcased the technical and economic viability of decentralising island energy supplies, paving a way to affordable, sustainable energy.
Permafrost coasts are one of the most dynamic ecosystems on Earth and they are undergoing rapid change. The EU-funded Nunataryuk project assessed the impacts of thawing coastal and subsea permafrost on the global climate. Their work on adaptation and mitigation strategies is also helping to build resilience in Arctic coastal populations.
Reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is a critical element in the fight against climate change. This is why EU researchers have pioneered a novel method of capturing emissions and storing them underground as rock. This could help Europe meet its climate targets.
Honeybees are critical to agriculture, yet are increasingly under threat. The EU-funded HIVEOPOLIS project developed a range of digital hive technologies to monitor and manage honeybees. The technologies could help support precision agriculture, and even boost the survival of wild pollinators
The shipping industry is responsible for 3% of global carbon emissions, putting it under the spotlight for environmental upgrades. Two game-changing vessel designs have now been produced with the help of EU funding, along with retrofit technologies for existing cruise ships and bulk carriers. Maritime sustainability is a key EU priority on the continent’s journey to slashing carbon emissions while creating opportunities for green economic growth and jobs.
Solar panels installed over traditional roofs can suffer from weather-related problems and compromise the roof construction. The EU-funded TilePlus project designed new roof tiles with embedded tough photovoltaic cells. This would allow millions of homes across Europe to produce their own energy.
A better understanding of microbial communities could bring profound benefits to the agri-food sector. The EU-funded MASTER project has developed a wide range of microbiome products, foods, services and processes. These innovations are helping improve the quantity, quality, safety and sustainability of our food and farms.
Despite their vulnerability to climate change, island nations rely heavily on imported fossil fuels. The EU-funded NEEMO project aimed to boost research into electric mobility in Malta. Such initiatives are helping to develop green transport solutions for EU citizens living on islands and beyond.
Demand response programmes could bring European energy use down and benefit consumers, but their uptake has been slow. The EU-funded DRIMPAC project created a framework to ease this transition. The results could save costs and energy use, and help mitigate climate change
