Highlights archive
Geospatial technologies for harmonised environmental information
From 23-27 April, more than 3 500 participants will attend the Geospatial World Forum at the RAI Convention Centre, in Amsterdam (NL). The theme of the forum is “Geospatial Industry and World Economy”. It will address the utility of geospatial technologies in various industries that contribute to the world economy. Quick and easy access to data related to a variety of domains, including water management, disaster mitigation, statistics, public health, civil protection, agriculture and nature protection, will improve business opportunities and help reduce costs of public administrations. This will also translate into clear benefits for the citizen, ranging from improved emergency services to a healthier everyday environment.
Drought in Spain reduces crop yield potential for durum wheat
On the 26 March 2011, the JRC published the latest edition of its Crop Monitoring Bulletin for Europe, in which JRC scientists highlight the potential impacts of current agro-meteorological conditions on crop production in Europe.
A severe rain shortage has been observed in Southern Europe since December 2011. This was the driest period recorded for southern Spain since JRC climatological records began. The main durum wheat production regions of Spain are experiencing drought conditions, and consequently forecasted crop yields for these areas are well below average.
Water at the interface of science and policy
With more than 25 000 participants, the 6th World Water Forum is the world's largest meeting about water. It is held every three years, with the current one being held in Marseille, France, from the 12 to 17 March. The World Water Forum addresses the challenges of sustainable development related to the water distribution. Its objective is to make water a high priority on all political agendas.
The Congo Basin – a role model for tropical forest management
The 'Forests of the Congo Basin - State of the Forest 2010' report was launched in Douala, Cameroon, at the Annual meeting of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP) on 1st March, 2012. It provides a comprehensive and detailed assessment of the status of the forests in the Congo Basin. It also looks at deforestation patterns, points to trends in sustainable forest management and highlights threats to biodiversity. This was done to help decision-makers in Central Africa come up with information-based solutions for improved management of forests and natural resources.
The State of Soil in Europe
The IES has released a JRC Reference Report entitled ‘The State of Soil in Europe’, which is published in collaboration with the European Environment Agency and DG Environment. The report provides a comprehensive overview of our present understanding of soil resources and degradation processes across Europe. It concludes that further research and improved data collection is needed to advance our knowledge of soil functions and provide the scientific base for policy makers. Coupled with steps to heighten public awareness of the importance of soil, the report will help people to better understand the need to protect this vital resource.
Study co-authored by the JRC on climate change mitigation published in Science
A scientific paper published on 13.02.2012 by Science shows that a limited number of air quality measures can substantially mitigate global warming and have significant benefits for human health and agriculture.
FAO/JRC summary report on Global forest land-use change from 1990-2005
The FAO and JRC released a summary report on Global forest land-use change during a jointly organised side-event at the Durban COP17.
IES participation in the UNFCCC COP 17
Several IES scientists will participate in the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP 17) to the UNFCCC, which will be held in Durban, South Africa, from 28th November to 9th December 2011.
UNCCD COP 10: United in combating desertification
IES scientist Stefan Sommer is part of the European Commission delegation at this high-level meeting on desertification being held in Korea.
A new JRC PBL report highlights the steep increase in global CO2 emissions
A new report by the JRC and the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency shows that global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) increased by 45% between 1990 and 2010, and reached an all-time high of 33 billion tonnes in 2010.
EFFIS in Action - Late summer fires in Greece
In August 2011, EFFIS helped coordinate the provision of fire-fighting assistance to severly affected areas in Greece and Albania.
First IES analysis of the devastating drought in the Horn of Africa
IES scientists published their preliminary analysis of the current drought in the Greater Horn of Africa through two special bulletins: the Drought Bulletin for the Greater Horn of Africa and the Food Security Bulletin Special issue – Horn of Africa
The new FATE website: a tool for assessing and monitoring pollutants
IES scientists have made available useful spatial information for assessing and monitoring the fate and impacts of pollutants in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in Europe.
Ecosystem connectivity and fragmentation research in support to Green Infrastructure
A new Biodiversity strategy for the European Union was adopted in May 2011 with the ambitious aim of halting the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services in the EU by 2020. An EU Green Infrastructure initiative will most likely be developed by 2012. The IES is a member of the DG ENV's Working Group on Green Infrastructure and of the steering committee of the DG-ENV study contracts related to GI.
JRC co-authored study quantifies possible benefits from globally more stringent road vehicle emission standards
IES scientist Rita Van Dingenen co-authored an important scientific paper entitled 'Climate, health, agricultural and economic impacts of tighter vehicle-emission standards'
IES Radar Mosaic of Africa
IES scientists co-developed a new radar mosaic covering the African continent, with the aim of providing quantitative measurements and mapping of changes in forest resources, thus providing support to EU policies on global forest protection.
Winter kill in Eastern Europe with possible negative impacts on agricultural production
The MARS 2011 agro-meteorological analyses kicked off in February 2011 with the first AGROWEATHER bulletin, which highlights the effects of the severe frosts of December 2010 in Europe.
Shipping Emissions
The IES has published a JRC Reference Report that outlines options for reducing air emissions from ships.
Soil assessment in Europe - IES Contribution to SOER 2010
The EEA European environment – state and outlook 2010 (SOER) report was launched on the 30th November in Brussels.
JRC-IES at COP 10 on Biological Diversity
The 10th Conference of the Parties (COP 10) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity was held in Nagoya, Japan, 18 – 29 October 2010.
European Atlas of Soil Biodiversity
Under the auspices of the UN’s International Year of Biodiversity, the JRC’s Institute for Environment and Sustainability has published the first European Atlas of Soil Biodiversity, which was launched at the conference ‘Soil, Climate Change and Biodiversity – Where do we stand?’ on the 23rd and 24th September 2010 in Brussels.
IES contribution to European Nitrogen Research
The European Nitrogen Assessment (ENA) report addresses current nitrogen issues, the cascade effects and the interactions and feedbacks in order to provide information on the balance between the benefits of fixed nitrogen to society against the different adverse effects of excess nitrogen in the environment.
INSPIRE as a Framework for Cooperation
The INSPIRE conference “INSPIRE as a Framework for Cooperation” took place in Krakow, Poland, from the 22nd to the 25th of June 2010.
IES Brochure 2008-2009
On the 8th of June 2010 the IES launched its new brochure: ‘Science for the environment’.
Soil’s impact on Climate Change: First Soil Atlas of the Northern Circumpolar Region
On the 4th of May 2010, the European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science M. Geoghegan-Quinn launched the Soil Atlas of the Northern Circumpolar Region at the European Parliament.
Sustainable Consumption and Production
The JRC authored the Commission's handbook on how to assess the environmental impact of products.
International Year of Biodiversity: High Nature Value farmland in Europe
2010 has been proclaimed the International Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations.
