Policies
This policy information service of the LIAISE network informs about the most recent and relevant policy developments in the field of sustainability impact assessment. The section expands on the actual policy topics at the global, European and Member State level. Special attention is given to the LIAISE Policy Test Cases.
New Report: Joint Research Council Sees Rare-Earths as Bottleneck for Low-Carbon Energy Technologies
Date:
22/11/2011
Excerpt:
A new report by the European Commissions's Joint Research Council finds that rare-earths are a likely bottleneck for the development of low-carbon energy technologies. This is due to the increasing demand for these materials as well as their geographical concentration in politically unstable regions. Mid-term Evaluation of the Sustainable Consumption and Production and Sustainable Industrial Policy Action Plan
Date:
21/11/2011
Excerpt:
The Sustainable Consumption and Production / Sustainable Industrial Policy Action Plan (SCP/ SIO Action Plan), which was adopted in 2008, was intended to be reviewed by 2012. However, the European Commission is also reviewing the progress of the Action Plan by means of a mid-term evaluation. The results have now been published. New UNEP Report on Global Environmental Change
Date:
15/11/2011
Excerpt:
The UN Environment Programme has published a new report entitled "Keeping Track of our Changing Environment: From Rio to Rio+20". The report is produced as part of UNEP’s "Global Environmental Outlook-5" ) series, the UN’s assessment process which reviews the the state, trends and outlook of the global environment. European Commission Unveils its Work Programme for 2012
Date:
15/11/2011
Excerpt:
The European Commission has published its Work Programme for 2012, in which reform of the EU's energy system will play an important role in stimulating the region's struggling economies. New Report on Ecosystem Capital Accounting by European Environment Agency
Date:
15/11/2011
Excerpt:
The European Environment Agency (EEA) has published a new technical report on ecosystem capital, entitled "An experimental framework for ecosystem capital accounting in Europe". It has been developed in response to an increased demand to assess the whole interaction between ecosystems and the economy. New Report: Positive Effects on Biodiversity by Greener EU Agricultural Policy
Date:
09/11/2011
Excerpt:
A new report by PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, in collaboration with Wageningen University & Research Centre, entitled "Greening the Common Agricultural Policy: impacts on farmland biodiversity on an EU scale" finds that a greener EU agricultural policy would positively affect biodiversity in farmland. Package to Support Responsible Business by European Commission
Date:
09/11/2011
Excerpt:
The European Commission has issued a package to support entrepreneurship and responsible business. This represents a follow-up to an extended policy process to promote Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) started in 2001. In contrast to previous voluntary measures, the new package proposes a set of legislative measures. New Reports: Evaluation of EU Policy Framework on GMOs
Date:
09/11/2011
Excerpt:
Two reports on the EU's legislative framework for GMOs were carried out by independent consultants on the European Commission's behalf. The first evaluates the EU's legislative framework in the field of genetically modified food and feed. The second focuses on the legislative framework in the area of GMOs cultivation. Rio Earth Summit Postponed Because of Clash with UK Queen's Diamond Jubilee
Date:
09/11/2011
Excerpt:
Brazil has postponed the biggest environmental summit in 20 years to avoid a clash with the UK’s Queen's diamond jubilee. The Rio+20 summit was scheduled for early June but has been moved back two weeks to avoid jeopardising the attendance of 54 Commonwealth leaders. ... New EEA Report – An Experimental Framework for Ecosystem Capital Accounting in Europe
Date:
08/11/2011
Excerpt:
The European Environment Agency (EEA) has published a new framework for ecosystem capital accounting in Europe which responds to an increasing demand to assess the whole interaction between ecosystems and the economy. The initiative aims to supplement the UN System of National Accounts with information on the environment and natural capital.