All Environment Publications

In 2012, Germany introduced legislation to promote circular economy practices. This study examines the impact of these policies by assessing collection of biowaste (e.g. food and garden waste). It found that biowaste collection increased by 8–12% in the three years after 2012, but then slowed.

Timber construction is an effective way to reduce carbon emissions in construction and support the circular economy. According to this Life Cycle Assessment study, timber’s decarbonising value can be extended if timber building materials are designed to be suitable for deconstruction and reuse.

Forests are under threat from climate change-driven events (insect outbreaks, fires). The number of trees dying outside of such events is called the ‘background mortality’. This study looked at European tree census data (1936-2020) and found that background mortality was unaffected by climate change

Raised peat bogs in the tundra regions of countries such as Russia contain organic pollutants called Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) trapped in the permafrost. This study analysed the distribution, composition, and likely sources of the carcinogenic PAHs held in different layers of the bogs.

Soil biodiversity is an underrepresented topic in ecosystem monitoring and policymaking. This French nationwide study presents a framework for assessing soil biodiversity that takes into account a wide variety of organisms and environments, and could inform the EU’s Soil Monitoring Law.

Chicken production is an expanding industry. However, valuable parts of the chicken are not consumed, bringing knock-on climate impacts. This study suggests that unused chicken parts be used in pet food, but that we should integrate these products into human diets for greater environmental benefits.

The 7th National Report to the CBD on progress on the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Commission Delegated Regulation setting out derogations from the prohibition of the destruction of unsold consumer products.

Commission Implementing Regulation on the details and format for the disclosure of information on discarded unsold consumer products.