Environment & Climate
The European Green Deal, energy transition, oceans and the climate policy behind the headlines.
EU Bathing Water Quality: 96% Safe, but Runoff and Sewage Remain Risks
96% of Europe's monitored bathing waters meet safety standards, with 85% rated 'excellent'. Coastal sites outperform inland waters due to na
Wildfires Rage Across Southern Europe as Greece Warns of Toxic Smoke
Wildfires have forced thousands to evacuate across Portugal, Spain, France, and Greece. In Greece, authorities warn of toxic smoke from fact
How EU Law Keeps Europe's Bathing Waters Clean and Safe
The EU's Bathing Water Directive monitors faecal bacteria at over 22,000 sites across Europe. In 2025, 85% of bathing waters were rated exce
EU Mandates Microplastic Filters for Washing Machines: How They Work
The EU is moving to mandate microplastic filters in new washing machines. A Bristol startup, Matter, has developed a retrofit device that ca
Wildfire in Eastern Spain Forces Evacuation of 500 Residents
A wildfire in Castellón, eastern Spain, has forced 500 evacuations. Firefighters and aircraft are battling flames spreading across the Valen
Spain Braces for Second Summer Heatwave with Temperatures Up to 44°C
Spain's state weather agency, AEMET, has issued orange alerts for much of the country as a second heatwave arrives. Temperatures could hit 4
Spain Braces for Second Summer Heatwave with Temperatures Up to 44°C
Spain's meteorological agency has issued orange alerts for a second summer heatwave, with temperatures reaching 42-44°C from Sunday to Tuesd
Spain and Italy Deploy Firefighting Aid to Portugal as Heatwave Fuels Blazes
Portugal has activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, receiving 118 firefighters and 45 vehicles from Spain, plus two Canadair wat
Spain and Italy Send Firefighting Aircraft to Portugal as Wildfires Spread
Portugal has requested international assistance as wildfires, intensified by a heatwave, threaten communities. Spain and Italy have responde
New Bear-Dog Species Discovered in Catalonia from 15.9 Million Years Ago
A skull unearthed in the 1990s in Els Casots, Catalonia, has been identified as a new species of bear-dog, Paludocyon moyasolai. The medium-
159-Million-Year-Old Bear-Dog Skull Unearthed in Catalonia Rewrites Miocene Carnivore History
A skull discovered 30 years ago at Els Casots near Barcelona has been identified as a new species of bear-dog, Paludocyon moyasolai. The fin
Spain's Second Heatwave of Summer 2026: Nine Regions Under Alert as Temperatures Near 42°C
Spain's meteorological agency Aemet has activated orange alerts across nine regions as a second summer heatwave pushes temperatures to 42°C