Today’s Solutions: October 13, 2024

man installing solar rooftop panels against bright blue sky

Europe may launch plan requiring solar panels on all public buildings by 2025

Countries are speeding up efforts to transition to 100 percent renewable energy sources, not just for the sake of the climate, but also to build independence from Russian petroleum. Germany accelerated its own schedule to become 100 percent renewable, seeing the danger to its energy sector that Read More...

Europe’s largest floating so

Europe’s largest floating solar park to open in Portugal this summer

Last month we wrote about Greece unveiling Europe’s largest double-sided solar farm. Now another European country is about to claim a significant achievement in the race towards renewables: building the continent’s largest floating solar park. The solar park will be located in Portugal’s Read More...

Two Ukrainian boy refugees in Chisinau, Moldova, at a refugee shelter

How to help Ukrainian refugees in Moldova

Since it began on the 24th of February, the war in Ukraine has forced millions of people to leave their homes. According to the UNHCR, more than 3 million people have already fled, and many more are expected to leave as the situation escalates. A great number of these people have sought refuge in Read More...

Algae production for sustainable biofuel at Wageningen University in the Netherlands

Europe’s first biorefinery uses algae to make jet biofuel

The global aviation industry is responsible for more than 2 percent of human-produced carbon dioxide emissions. To put a dent in that statistic, scientists have been actively searching for cost-effective and eco-friendly aviation fuels derived from natural resources. In recent years, microalgae Read More...

Germany solar energy

Germany plans to be 100 percent renewable by 2035

Sustainable energy sources such as wind and solar are important for countries as well as the planet. They improve efficiency, can reduce weather-related blackouts, and they also help a country’s independence by allowing it to rely on itself for energy.  Germany announced Monday that its goal Read More...

Estonia's capital, Tallinn, at sunset

What cities around the world can learn from Europe’s greenest capital

While an increasing number of major cities are striving to become more climate-friendly, one particular European capital stands out with its sustainability efforts so far. It’s no other than Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, whose notable climate measures have won it the title of the European Green Read More...

Car road transformed into pedestrianised street

Berlin plans to have the world’s largest car-free urban area

In recent years, many cities around the world have become much more aware of the plight of designing our urban spaces with a car-centric mentality. In Europe in particular, cities like Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona, and Stockholm are well ahead when it comes to reclaiming urban space from cars in Read More...

People walking, jogging, and cycling on a pedestrian street in Italy

European cities could see a lot less cars on the roads in the near future

As local governments are finally coming to the realization that prioritizing cycling and walking over driving can tremendously benefit their residents, many are considering implementing permanent policies to tackle car-centric city development. In a bid to accelerate the adoption of such policies, Read More...

Fresh produce wrapped in plastic inside a plastic bag

French ban on plastic packaging for most fruit and veg comes into force

A few months ago, we wrote about France’s ambitious plan to phase out single-use plastic packaging. On January 1st, that ban went into effect, paving the way for more sustainable and ethical consumption habits among its citizens. As part of the ban, about 30 varieties of fruit and vegetables, Read More...

European wild bison grazing in Romania

Bison return to Romania after more than two centuries

After 200 years of absence, the bison is once again a proud resident of Romania’s Carpathian Mountains. Though a less common sight than it was a few hundred years ago, the majestic animal is now making a determined comeback to the country’s wilderness, thanks to long-term conservation Read More...