Keep up to date with environmental policy developments (13/05/2025)

The EU Environment monthly newsletter delivers the latest updates about the European Commission’s environmental priorities straight to your inbox. Read the latest edition on reducing industrial emissions in the EU.

New study of European rivers shows substantial variation in how quickly commercial chemicals biodegrade (07/05/2025)

Researchers have tested the biodegradation rates of 97 chemical compounds in 18 sections of freshwater rivers in five European countries and found that all but two compounds show significant variability across sites.

Research Spotlights (13/05/2025)

Research spotlights is a carefully curated collection of other scientific papers that could be of relevance to our readers.

A new method for extracting essential lithium from used batteries (12/05/2025)

Researchers in China have developed a novel method of extracting lithium from spent lithium batteries. The approach, known as synergetic pyrolysis, uses polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from waste plastics as an essential reagent and results in lithium and manganese that can be reused in future products. This method means that battery recycling and plastic waste could be integrated in an efficient and sustainable way that supports the circular economy.

Communicating complex marine biodiversity data to policymakers: Lessons from the European Marine Observation and Data Network (12/05/2025)

Turning complex biodiversity data into information that can be used to inform policy is a challenging task. The European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) produces free, standardised biological data products to address this challenge. This study evaluates the usefulness of these data products and describes a method of communicating complex marine data, such as the density of human activity in the mediterranean, using EMODnet services. The study finds that EMODnet is an effective tool for translating complex marine biodiversity data into accessible formats for those making management and policy decisions.

Critical considerations in partial decommissioning of offshore wind farms include residual liability and biodiversity trade-offs (07/05/2025)

Could leaving some structures behind when removing obsolete wind farms generate multiple benefits? This study engages with stakeholders at two Dutch wind farms to identify and analyse key criteria for decommissioning decisions.

Moving north under the eye of the public: The dispersal ecology of the Nosferatu spider, documented by citizen scientists (12/05/2025)

Good media coverage has been found to motivate citizens to report species observations, which can help efforts to track invasive species in Europe. Researchers asked citizen scientists to document sightings of the Nosferatu spider (Zoropsis spinimana) as it spread from southern to northern Europe. They found that good media campaigns increased the number of spider sightings reported. These findings also highlight the value of public participation in monitoring invasive species and could inform strategies for biodiversity conservation.

Grassland study suggests varied, curved mowing pattern may support bees and butterflies better than conventional block mowing (07/05/2025)

Permanent grasslands in agricultural areas are important for biodiversity – especially pollinators. Researchers in Belgium found irregular, curved mowing patterns had positive effects on pollinators compared to conventional block cutting, and suggest promoting this approach.

Improved wastewater treatment needed to deal with persistent chemical waste products in the marine environment (12/05/2025)

Compounds used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and agriculture persist in aquatic environments, potentially impacting water quality and ecosystem health. Azole antifungals enter the watercourse through wastewater and agricultural runoff and can be detected in a range of aquatic ecosystems. Researchers found that, while azole concentrations in Poland were currently safe for aquatic organisms, there is a need for improved wastewater treatment processes and regulatory measures to mitigate the environmental risks associated with continuing azole contamination.

Water salinity cuts the risk of harmful bacteria riding on microplastics from freshwater to the sea (15/04/2025)

A study of bacteria on microplastics in nine European rivers shows salinity to serve as a barrier stopping serious pathogens travelling large distances on plastic debris.

Birds can be used as ‘cultural ambassadors’ to help promote a nature reserve and this can benefit people and wildlife in wetland management plans (15/04/2025)

Protected wetland areas provide cultural ecosystem services which can be overlooked in management decisions. This study considers how combining both ecological and visitor-orientated goals can enhance management planning in a wetland reserve in Italy.

Incorporating landscape configuration metrics improves the accuracy of water-related ecosystem services models (15/04/2025)

Water management models normally include land use data, but not the shape and distribution of land use patches. This study tests models against historical data to evaluate the importance of such metrics in obtaining accurate predictions

Keep up to date with environmental policy developments (16/04/2025)

The EU Environment monthly newsletter delivers the latest updates about the European Commission’s environmental priorities straight to your inbox. Subscribe now!

Time evolution of oestrogen contamination in the Sheldt estuary (16/04/2025)

A study near Belgium indicates that oestrogen pollution has decreased during the past 40 years, but remains present in the North Sea, sediments and estuary waters. Future monitoring remains a priority under the EU Water Directive due to its significant impacts on life.

Techno-economic and scalability analysis of nitrogen plasma gasification of medical waste (16/04/2025)

Nitrogen plasma gasification is a process that kills pathogens and produces valuable waste-to-energy bi-products. It’s a promising, economically viable method for the sustainable medical waste treatment of plastic, rubber, fibre and biomass. Policymakers should consider integrating this technology.

Isotopic variability of the invasive blue crab in the Gulf of Cadiz (16/04/2025)

The invasive and widespread blue crab species has a broad highly adaptable diet and responds well to changes in environmental conditions. It may serve as a useful indicator species in ecosystem management and for high levels of nitrogen pollution in European estuaries.

Themed Alert - Floods & Droughts (13/03/2025)

Welcome to the first Themed Alert from Science for Environment Policy (SfEP). This is a new series in which we will focus on a specific topic relevant to European environmental policy, featuring a combination of new scientific findings and a curated selection of relevant insights from articles previously published in our news alerts.

Hidden weather patterns offer improved long-range drought forecasting (13/03/2025)

Long-term global cycles of atmospheric variation can be used to help water managers predict droughts more accurately, up to four years ahead, a new study has found. This could support communities to build resilience to water scarcity in the face of climate change.

Flood and drought analysis shows that impact-reduction strategies are effective, but fail in unprecedented events (13/03/2025)

Flood and drought risk management strategies are not usually well designed to cope with unprecedented events – which are predicted to increase with climate change. Previous analysis suggested adaptations had reduced vulnerability to some impacts, but other impacts remained significant and were increasing.

Analysis indicates which European cities and countries have the highest expected future losses from future flooding (13/03/2025)

Flooding is the most expensive natural hazard in Europe, and it is forecast to worsen in the future due to climatic and socio-economic changes. This large-scale risk assessment of river-based flooding estimates future losses to homes, by country and region.

Will more frequent river floods cause widespread malfunction of European road networks? (13/03/2025)

More frequent river flooding is threatening many European road transport networks. Some countries, regions and locations are emerging as being more vulnerable ‘hotspots’ for abrupt and disproportionately large loss of functionality. Floods in some areas can disrupt up to 41% of preferred routes.

Increase in reduced-snowmelt drought in the Alps affects downstream water flow patterns (13/03/2025)

Droughts in catchment areas in the Alps affect several major European rivers. This study reports that drops in snowmelt are causing drought to become more common, affecting the timing and characteristics of water shortages downstream.

Keep up to date with environmental policy developments (18/03/2025)

For more news on water resilience, check out this latest issue of the EU Environment monthly newsletter, delivering the latest updates about the European Commission's environmental priorities straight to your inbox: Bridging the gap to water resilience.

Keep up to date with the latest environmental policy developments (24/02/2025)

The EU Environment monthly newsletter delivers the latest updates about the European Commission’s environmental priorities straight to your inbox. This month, we explore how ecodesign and sustainable products are coming to life.

Biological invasions cost hundreds of billions of dollars globally (21/02/2025)

Researchers have estimated that invasive species cost over US $644 billion (612.48 billion euros) globally between 1970 and 2020. Quantifying and categorising these impacts could help to improve management interventions and sector-specific biosecurity policies.

Nature-based solutions for the water flow management in a Mediterranean urban area (21/02/2025)

Using small-scale green infrastructure can significantly reduce flooding impacts in high-risk Mediterranean coastal areas. New models suggest flow rates can be reduced by up to 60%, floodplain areas can be reduced by up to 17% and run-off volume can be reduced by up to 24%.

Combining incentives on carpooling for commuting in the Paris region (21/02/2025)

A questionnaire examining financial and non-financial incentives influencing car sharing among commuters in Paris found that employees aged 18-49 with higher education are more receptive to social nudges, such as trust and peer behaviour, than they are to employer subsidies.

Ecological risks posed by veterinary antibiotics in European aquatic environments (21/02/2025)

An in-depth analysis of toxicity data from 162 studies has revealed the varying degrees of harm to freshwater and saltwater species in Europe associated with different classes of veterinary antibiotics. This new study provides insight to guide risk management around the use of veterinary antibiotics.

Climate and air quality impact of using ammonia (21/02/2025)

A new study has estimated the air quality and climate impacts of using ammonia fuel instead of fossil fuels in shipping. It shows that the switch could reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the sector. However, ammonia emissions will need regulating to prevent negative effects on air quality and public health.

Adopting wind-assisted technologies in shipping by agent-based simulations (21/02/2025)

Targeted incentives can significantly improve the adoption of green technologies by ship owners, such as wind-assisted propulsion. Three processes were tested to examine awareness of technology, economic factors and networking.

Keep up to date with the latest environmental policy developments (05/02/2025)

The EU Environment monthly newsletter delivers the latest updates about the European Commission’s environmental priorities straight to your inbox. Subscribe now!

Large European banks' dependency on ecosystem services (04/02/2025)

Researchers have calculated the monetary value of the ecosystem-services (ES) dependencies in the portfolios of the ten largest European banks, and found that for every dollar of equity held, 26 cents are highly dependent on ecosystem services.

Prolific invasive plant will spread further as climate changes (04/02/2025)

Researchers have modelled the global spread of silverleaf nightshade – an invasive species that poses a threat to agriculture and ecosystems – and shown which factors influence its distribution. The plant has reached a stable population in Europe.

Over half of deaths attributed to ground-level ozone in Europe originated outside the region (04/02/2025)

Ground level ozone (O3) is a harmful air pollutant that can travel long distances from its source. New research has estimated that 56.7% of deaths attributed to this air pollutant in Europe are due to O3 transported from outside the region.

Methane slip and other emissions from newbuild LNG engine under real-world operation (04/02/2025)

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is increasingly used as a shipping fuel to lower CO2 emissions. But the slip of unburned methane, the main component of LNG, has remained a concern. This cruise-ship case study in Atmospheric Environment offers insights into methane slip under real-world conditions.

Interaction between marine and terrestrial biogenic volatile organic compounds (04/02/2025)

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) are the largest source of secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) globally. The interactions between marine and terrestrial BVOCs that lead to SOAs remain unclear. This study, in Atmospheric Environment, helps to assess this process’s impact on air quality.

Market trading of edible marine invasive alien species in the Greek seafood market (04/02/2025)

Marine invasive alien species are spreading in the Mediterranean Sea. The consumption of the invasive species lionfish and Atlantic blue crab could mitigate their ecological impacts. Results of this survey in sustainability suggest Greek consumers show a positive attitude towards eating these species.

Human health risks associated with exposure to toxic chemicals via drinking water (04/02/2025)

A rigorous assessment of human health risks associated with persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT) substances through drinking water consumption in the UK is presented in this study in Science of The Total Environment, with a particular focus on refining exposure estimates for England and Wales.

Agri-food waste biosorbents for volatile organic compounds removal from air and industrial gases (04/02/2025)

Approximately 1.3 billion metric tons of agricultural and food waste is produced every year. This review in Science of the Total Environment highlights the potential of agri-food waste for absorbing and removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from gas streams.

Tackling microplastic pollution with a cross-society approach (09/01/2025)

A new study has outlined how academia, government, industry, civil society and the environment can come together to tackle the growing challenge of microplastic pollution.

Seven actions to improve European biosecurity policy on ants (09/01/2025)

Invasive ants are among the alien species causing the greatest ecological, economic and health damage. This study, published in Biological Conservation, shows how policymakers can arrive at a framework of realistic action plans to manage this threat.

Green infrastructure design for the containment of biological invasions. Insights from a peri-urban case study in Rome, Italy (09/01/2025)

Artificial surfaces related to urban sprawl are a major driver of exotic plant invasions in Rome, this study from the Journal of Environmental Management shows, However, science-based green infrastructure could help stop the invasion process.

Managing Jetty Boil-Off Gas for More Sustainable LNG Export Terminals (09/01/2025)

If improperly managed, boil-off gas (the gas that evaporates from liquid natural gas) can compromise safety, waste resources and pollute the environment. This ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering paper provides practical insights to enhance the sustainability of boil-off gas management strategies.

How do different marine engine fuels and wet scrubbing affect gaseous air pollutants and ozone formation potential from ship emissions? (09/01/2025)

Scrubbers effectively reduce sulphur emissions from ships, but their efficiency in capturing other potentially harmful gases is uncertain. This study in Environmental Research highlights the environmental and health impacts of marine fuels and wet scrubbers.

Monitoring functional traits of complex temperate forests using Sentinel-2 data during a severe drought period (09/01/2025)

Remote sensing is a cost-effective tool for indirectly assessing forest status. But it relies on indirect proxies that often have a coarse resolution. Satellite data from Sentinel-2 can help anticipate the drought-inducing effects of climate change, suggests this study in Science of the Total Environment.

Invasive plants: new study indicates how to prioritise species for management (09/01/2025)

Invasive plants pose a multi-faceted threat in Europe, but deciding which species to eradicate, control or monitor remains a challenge. New work by Italian scientists highlights a potential way forward for decision-makers.

Global urbanisation identified as the landscape change most responsible for water-quality deterioration over last 20 years (09/01/2025)

A new analysis of 625 studies from 63 countries shows that the global expansion of built-up areas has fundamentally degraded water quality across the globe and suggests increases in forest cover can help reduce water pollution risks.

SfEP is back: stay informed about the latest environmental research! (14/01/2025)

Light Pollution: Mitigation measures for environmental protection (15/11/2023)

Light Pollution

Infographic – What is light pollution? (16/11/2023)

Light Pollution

Infographic – How to mitigate night-time artificial light pollution impacts on the environment (16/11/2023)

Light Pollution

Keep up to date with the latest environmental policy developments (08/11/2023)

Keep up to date with the latest environmental policy developments

Managing Megafires: an experiment in participatory governance yields new management strategies (06/11/2023)

This study explores participatory fire-management strategies, including landscape values from experts and local people, to strengthen wildfire-prone regions by creating resilient landscapes that protect ecological and social functions. The Montseny Biosphere Reserve (MBR) in Catalonia, Spain, is a fire-prone region. The area has become warmer over the last few decades (average of 1.2–1.4°C), increasing the risk of intense ‘megafires’. Click here to read more

Marine plastic: new method for choosing the best clean-up technologies (06/11/2023)

Researchers have developed a framework for evaluating technologies that reduce marine plastic pollution. The method could help decision-makers find the best solutions for meeting the objectives of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Decision-makers face a host of challenges in tackling marine pollution. Click here to read more

Researchers find landscape features around reserves are key to increasing freshwater-reliant species diversity (06/11/2023)

Species that rely on freshwater habitat are declining in Europe. This study finds that biodiversity within smaller sites in the European Natura 2000 network is highly impacted by the land use of surrounding areas. The Birds and Habitats Directives are fundamental to Europe's nature conservation policy, with the Natura 2000 reserves covering 18% of the EU’s land area and more than 8% of its marine territory. Click here to read more

Keep up to date with the latest environmental policy developments (08/11/2023)

The EU Environment monthly newsletter delivers the latest updates about the European Commission’s environmental priorities straight to your inbox. Subscribe now

More circular, less carbon: chemical recycling holds promise for wind-turbine blade waste (18/10/2023)

Disposing of complex and cumbersome wind turbine blades at the end of their lives is a key challenge facing the renewable energy sector. Researchers now identify a form of chemical recycling as the most circular and low-carbon solution. Click here to read more

Copper from industrial pollution increases antibiotic resistance in forest floor soil bacteria (18/10/2023)

Industrial heavy metal pollution in a Swedish forest induces resistance to metals in soil microbial communities, but also to tetracycline antibiotics, a new study concludes. Emerging antibiotic resistance is a central threat to global food security and health. It has been well established that metal pollution can cause antibiotic resistance in agricultural settings, but data is lacking on most other habitats. Click here to read more

Higher energy security and economic complexity may hamper renewable energy development (18/10/2023)

This study highlights the resilience of renewable energy in the face of unpredictability such as climate change and suggests that large-scale production could not only help with climate change mitigation but also protect the environment. During recent decades there has been a major increase in environmental problems such as climate change and pollution, resulting from human use of energy for socio-economic activities. Click here to read more

Health and environmental impacts prompt a call for strict ruling on ubiquitous ‘forever chemicals’ (18/10/2023)

The characteristics and widespread effects of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances demand their replacement with fluorine-free alternatives, say the writers of a comprehensive review on their use. Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemical compounds where the hydrogen atoms have been largely or completely replaced by fluorine. Click here to read more

Passive restoration can help former farmlands in Minnesota, USA, to recover their biodiversity, but even 80 years is not enough for full recovery (18/10/2023)

Passive restoration can recover plant biodiversity on former farmland at low cost, say researchers. But active restoration could bring better results. This study measured plant biodiversity in once-farmed fields that had been left to nature up to 80 years earlier. The researchers show how recovery varies by the size of the plot to help guide better active restoration. Click here to read more

Keep up to date with the latest environmental policy developments (27/09/2023)

The EU Environment monthly newsletter delivers the latest updates about the European Commission’s environmental priorities straight to your inbox. Subscribe now

EU satellites reveal how bio-fertiliser can protect the olive groves of southern Italy (02/10/2023)

The bacterium Xylella fastidiosa (Xfp) has attacked olive trees in Italy since 2013, with severe impacts. However, researchers have now used satellite data to show that bio-fertiliser is proving effective in restoring the agro-ecosystem. In olive groves, Xfp can cause ‘olive quick decline syndrome’ (OQDS), which incites leaf, twig and branch die-back followed by final tree collapse. Click here to read more

Non-native species assessment of Spanish transitional waters (between land and sea) recommends proactive management (02/10/2023)

Invasive species can harm native ecosystems and impose a high cost on society. This study reports 129 non-native species at 30 sites in Spain at the fresh/saltwater interface and suggests prioritising monitoring and response efforts. Colonisation of natural habitats by non-native species has played a role in 33% of all recent animal extinctions and can cause substantial ecological and economic damage. Click here to read more

A bird’s eye view of boreal forests: using satellite remote sensing to monitor biodiversity richness (02/10/2023)

Remote mapping shows promise as a cost-efficient way to roughly predict lichen communities in European boreal forests, finds a study of aspen trees in southern Finland. The European aspen (Populus tremula L.) is a keystone species in boreal forests and increases forest biodiversity by hosting accompanying species such as fungi, mosses, woodpeckers, small mammals and invertebrates. Click here to read more

More consistent policy support needed for urban agriculture to flourish (02/10/2023)

Urban agriculture needs to be formally recognised in policy agendas to incentivise and regulate growing practices at different scales, suggests a new analysis of progress in four European cities. Sustainable food supply has become one of the most pressing issues of the age. Click here to read more

Could treated biowastes be a sustainable solution to the worldwide need for phosphorous fertiliser? (02/10/2023)

Phosphorous (P) fertiliser from rocks is a limited resource with rising prices. This study investigates ways to enhance P release from biowaste materials to soil, to increase viability of these alternative sources. Phosphorus (P) is a critical raw material in Europe due to rock phosphate reserves being finite, depleted, and in geographical regions which may limit accessibility. Click here to read more

Local support for protected areas linked to social impacts and personal attachment (02/10/2023)

This study across five European countries identifies key factors that influence local community support for protected areas and considers how stated support is also associated with compliance with regulations and the decision to volunteer. Designating and managing protected areas is one of the main approaches to protecting biodiversity worldwide. Click here to read more