Everything you need to know about air pollution in the EU

July 18, 2024

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What is air pollution?

First and foremost, it is important to distinguish between indoor air pollution and ambient air pollution, as the agents responsible for indoor and outdoor air pollution are not the same. The purpose of the reform voted April is related to ambient air.

Air pollution or poor air quality is referred to when the concentration of certain harmful substances is too high.

The WHO defines a list of pollutants responsible for numerous harmful effects. The main pollutants on this list are:

Fine particules (PM)

These are a collection of particles that can be of different natures (sulphates, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust) which are too fine to settle and therefore remain suspended in the air. They are labelled as PM and are classified according to their diameter. Thus, PM2.5 are particles that are 2.5 micrometres in diameter.

Carbon monoxide (CO)

A toxic, colourless, odourless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels such as wood, petrol, charcoal, natural gas, and kerosene.

Ozone (O3)

A gas that forms from other pollutants emitted by human activities as well as vegetation under the influence of solar activity. This is why ozone pollution is particularly noted in the summer during periods of intense heat.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

NO₂ is a gas commonly released during the combustion of fuels in the transport and industrial sectors.

Sulphur dioxide (SO2)

SO₂ is a colourless gas with a pungent smell. It is produced from the combustion of fossil fuels (coal and oil) and the smelting of sulphur-containing ores.

The WHO therefore defines guidelines on the concentration thresholds not to be exceeded to avoid effects on health and biodiversity. The concentration levels are expressed in micrograms per cubic metre, noted as µg/m³.

Learn more about WHO recommendations.

Where do these pollutants come from?

To put it simply, almost all human activities contribute to pollution (although some natural elements can also cause high levels of pollution, such as a volcanic eruption or a forest fire).

Most of these pollutants are the result of the combustion of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) and are therefore mainly linked to industries, particularly construction due to the production of cement and steel, or the energy sector, which requires the burning of large quantities of fossil materials. Road and air transport are another significant source of air pollution, and finally, the agricultural sector is also to be blamed.

What are the consequences of air pollution?

On human health

The invisible particles penetrate the cells and organs of our body: our lungs, heart, blood, and brain. This leads to diseases such as asthma, strokes, heart attacks, cancer, dementia, and in many cases, death.

The WHO considers air pollution to be the most important environmental threat to humans in the world. Nearly 7 million premature deaths are attributable to it annually. In Europe, this is nearly 300,000 each year.

The WHO considers air pollution to be the most significant environmental threat to humans worldwide. Nearly 7 million premature deaths are attributed to it annually. In Europe, it accounts for nearly 300,000 deaths each year.

Economic impacts

Pollution hampers productivity by affecting workers, which severely impacts overall economic activity. According to the World Bank, the loss of global GDP attributable to air pollution is estimated at 6.1%.

Additionally, the numerous diseases caused by this pollution are costly to taxpayers through healthcare systems. Air pollutants also affect agricultural yields, as indicated by the European Environment Agency, which estimates that some agricultural states have lost up to 5% of their wheat production, costing 1 billion euros.

On biodiversity

Certainly, these pollutants significantly affect ecosystems and vegetation, notably through a process called “eutrophication,” which involves the rapid growth of algae and aquatic plants, facilitated by concentrations of nitrogen oxides and ammonia in the air. When these plants decompose, they reduce oxygen levels, harming fish and other aquatic organisms. This phenomenon also leads to freshwater acidification and affects forest soils.

Key numbers to evaluate air pollution

	Good	Fair	moderate	poor	Very poor	Extremely poor
(PM2.5)	<10µg/m3	<20µg/m3	<25µg/m3	<50µg/m3	<75µg/m3	+80µg/m3
(PM10)	<20µg/m3	<40	<50	<100	<150	+160
(NO2)	<40µg/m3	<90	<120	<230	<340	+350
(O3)	<50µg/m3	<100	<130	<240	<380	+390
(SO2)	<100µg/m3	<200	<350	<500	<750	+760

Source : European Environmental Agency

The political context

Today, two main legal texts at the European Union level regulate air quality standards:

Directive 2008/50/EC sets the objectives for ambient air quality to prevent or reduce the effects of air pollution on human health and the environment as a whole. It defines measures for the assessment of ambient air quality in all Member States as well as the conditions for obtaining information on ambient air quality. The Directive aims at increasing cooperation between the Member States in reducing air pollution.
Directive 2004/107/EC is more of a technical. It sets mandatory levels of fine particles, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, nickel and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air and defines methods and criteria for the assessment of concentrations of these substances in the ambient air.

In 2022, the European Commission introduced a proposal to reform this legislative package.

The main elements of this reform are:

The merger of both directives into a single text
Strengthening air quality standards by updating mandatory concentration levels of harmful substances in ambient air closer to WHO recommendations
Increasing the number of quality sampling points in European cities
The introduction of a right to compensation for people who suffer from health issues related to air pollution levels above mandatory standards.

Yet a few issues remain with the current version of the draft. For starters, the new air quality standards remain above the pollution levels recommended by the WHO:

While the current draft of the directive lowers the values for fine particles (PM2,5) from 25 to 10 µg/m3 and for Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) from 40 to 20 µg/m3. The most recent World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations advise not to exceed 5 μg/m3 for PM2,5 and 10 μg/m3 for NO2.
If the current draft also includes a review clause, the review of the alignment of EU’s air quality standards with WHO will not be done before 2030

Secondly, the implementation deadline is too long. The main deadline for the implementation of the new standard is the 31st of January 2029, but the current draft includes a postponement clause allowing under certain conditions to extend the deadline till 2040

To find out more detailed information see the European Council’s press release.

Ending Bottom Trawling: A Call for Real Protection of the Marine Environment

June 28, 2024

Youth and Environment Europe and Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) Europe Advocate for a Complete Ban on Bottom Trawling in Marine Protected Areas

What is bottom trawling and why is it problematic

Bottom trawling is one of the most destructive fishing methods used worldwide, with as much as 40% of sea life being removed during a single trawling pass. The large weighted nets being dragged across the ocean floor are responsible for vast amounts of by-catch, discards and collapse of fish stocks.

Despite the restriction of human activities to conserve their rich biodiversity, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) suffer greatly from the effects of bottom trawling. Even with its devastating and irreversible consequences, bottom trawling is still allowed in 90 percent of all offshore EU MPAs.

The impact of bottom trawling on marine ecosystems

Bottom trawling is responsible for reducing the complexity, productivity, and biodiversity of seafloor habitats, with sponges and corals facing the highest impacts. Unfortunately, most affected ecosystems are unable to recover from the damage they endure. For the few that do manage to recover, the estimated recovery time is estimated to be between 7.5 and 15 years.

The impact of bottom trawling on climate change

Bottom trawling not only causes significant harm to marine life, but according to a recent study, it also contributes up to 370 million metric tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere annually. The same study discovered that within an average of years, between 55 and 60 percent of emissions from underwater bottom trawling are released into the atmosphere, while the remaining CO2 can lead to more acidic conditions in the areas where it has been released, thus clearly contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming of our planet.

The EU’s position on bottom trawling

Currently, there only exists an EU-wide ban on bottom trawling at depths greater than 800 metres, however the EU aims to extend a bottom trawling ban to all its MPAs by 2030, urging its Member States to draw up national roadmaps towards a bottom trawling plan as part of the 2023 Marine Action Plan (find our article about the EU’s Marine Action Plan here).

At the moment, Greece and Sweden are the only EU Member States to have announced a ban on bottom trawling in all their national marine parks and protected areas, with Sweden extending the ban to all its territorial waters (up to 12 nautical miles from the shore). This marks a significant step forward for these countries in the protection of marine biodiversity.

In contrast, the majority of EU countries have missed this year’s March deadline to outline national roadmaps for phasing out bottom trawling. The EU’s national governments need to demonstrate greater ambition for marine protection and commit to the Marine Action Plan and the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030.

Protecting 30% of its marine areas by 2030 is incompatible with the highly damaging practice of bottom trawling, therefore the European Commission must take further action to ensure compliance with the existing legislation in countries that still permit bottom trawling inside the MPAs of their territorial waters.

YEE and GYBN calls for a ban of bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas

As representatives of young people committed to environmental protection, Youth and Environment Europe and Global Youth Biodiversity Network Europe strongly advocate for the conservation of marine ecosystems and the promotion of sustainable fishing practices. Our position on the issue of bottom trawling comprises the following:

YEE and GBYN Europe firmly oppose bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas. This fishing method is highly destructive to seafloor ecosystems, causing irreversible damage to habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass beds. To achieve the 30×30 goal of protecting 30% of European waters by 2030, MPAs must offer genuine protection, which is incompatible with the destructive nature of bottom trawling. The practice of bottom trawling also needs to be reviewed in cases where it takes place close to MPA boundaries, in sensitive habitats such as spawning grounds, and in coastal waters.
We show our strong support for ongoing initiatives by NGOs and civil society groups that advocate against bottom trawling. Notable examples include the joint campaign led by Oceana, Seas at Risk, Sciaena, and the Irish Wildlife Trust, as well as awareness raising and lobbying by WWF, Blue Ventures, the Blue Marine Foundation, Client Earth, and others. These organisations play a crucial role in raising awareness and driving policy changes.

Bottom trawling is a destructive practice that poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

As YEE and GYBN Europe, we urge EU Member States to prioritise ocean conservation and take decisive action. We firmly believe that young people, as the voice of the future, hold the power to enact the change they envision. With the recent EU elections, it is crucial for youth to push the newly elected MEPs to take action towards the protection of our oceans. Advocacy for stronger regulations, such as those in the Marine Action Plan, is essential to safeguard marine ecosystems. Join advocacy campaigns, engage with environmental organisations and use your voice to demand the preservation of our seas.

Help us spread the word! Share this statement

Learn more about marine conservation

This session was supposed to be the “end of the beginning,” when the world would step out with the first-ever global plastic

Bottom trawling involves dragging a weighted net or a rigid frame along the ocean floor. Despite its economic advantages, bottom trawling is

Youth and Environment Europe and Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) Europe Advocate for a Complete Ban on Bottom Trawling in Marine Protected

YEE Calls for Ambitious National Roadmaps for EU Marine Action Plan Implementation, including a ban on bottom trawling in MPAs

28.6.2024 by YEE

YEE News, Resources, Articles

Time to Act! – What can we do to support insect conservation

Let’s talk bugs!

June 28, 2024

Written by

By doing this we can, see how the species evolves in the basements, by looking for new unmarked insects and then learn to create the best habitat and find the best way to live together with the Blaps mucronata!

JNM – Jeugdbond voor Natuur en Milieustudie

Jef Hendrix & Ewout De Vos

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In our last article, we explored the numerous challenges insects face. Fortunately, there are many ways to support their survival. As our series on the world of insects concludes, we turn our focus to the solutions and actions that can help protect these vital creatures.

Let’s first delve into how two of our member organisations – UK Youth 4 Nature (UKY4N) and Jeugdbond voor Natuur en Milieu (JNM) – are actively contributing to insect conservation before giving you some practical steps to follow to take action!

UKY4N: Raising Awareness Through Creative Campaigns.

UKY4N empowers young people in nature decision-making in the UK. In 2022, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Rachel Carson’s iconic book, “Silent Spring”, they organised a youth insect photography competition, which showcased stunning images of UK insects. The winning photos were displayed at an exhibition at Oxford’s Museum of Natural History.

In their Natural Kingdom: Wild Walls campaign, they included insects in murals across UK cities and towns, highlighting local wildlife in decline. A notable mural featured the beautiful tiger beetle in Liverpool. They also create digital art for social media, organise bee walks and hold online workshops.

As part of the “Not so Freshwater” campaign they even hosted a chemical cocktail bar event in London, highlighting the impact of chemical pollution on insects with youth artwork of a mayfly.

What’s Next?

UKY4N plans to continue their successful initiatives, including the “Your Wild Streets” campaign that will advocate for pesticide-free urban areas in the UK to help pollinators thrive!

JNM: Research and Human-Insect Cohabitation

JNM, based in Belgium, focuses on conservation through hands-on projects. A notable example is their work with the Cellar Beetle (Blaps mucronata), a rare species that was first found in their main secretariat building’s basement in 2006 but then thought extinct after the building was renovated in 2016, disturbing the beetle’s habitat. However, five years later, a fresh dead specimen was found, and after an extensive search, 15 living specimens were discovered.

What makes this beetle so special?

20 to 25 mm in size with pitch-black, with smooth shields and long legs, they require old, not-too-clean cellars with high humidity, stable temperatures, and lots of hiding places. They are now quite rare in Belgium, making JNM’s discovery even more significant. Originally, the Cellar Beetle was found mainly in southern Europe, living in caves and later adapting to human-made cellars.

Inside JNM, a dilemma arose because the beetles were found in the same basement where tents and camp materials were stored, which need to be kept dry. To address this, JNM initiated a survey where beetles were caught, marked, and released back into a more humid basement to better suit their needs.

Taking action: How can YOU help

In your garden:

Maintain insect habitats: Plant native flowering plants and leave some areas of your garden wild to provide shelter and food for insects. Did you know that branches left on the ground and dead wood are extremely useful and provide micro-habitats for the fauna?
Create water sources: Provide small, shallow water sources like bird baths or shallow dishes with stones for insects to drink from, especially during hot and dry periods.
Reduce pesticide use: Minimise or eliminate the use of pesticides in your garden to create a safer environment for pollinators and other beneficial insects.

With your community:

Support conservation efforts: Get involved with local conservation groups and participate in initiatives like habitat restoration.
Participate in insect monitoring: Join insect monitoring programs to help scientists track insect populations and health. Your observations can contribute valuable data for conservation efforts
Advocate for pesticide-free Zones: Work with your local community to create pesticide-free zones in public spaces, such as parks and gardens, to protect pollinators.
Educate others: Share your knowledge about the importance of insects with friends, family, and the community. Host workshops, give talks, or use social media to spread awareness.

By highlighting these inspiring examples and offering practical steps, we hope to empower you to take action and make a difference in insect conservation. You can help ensure a future where insects continue to thrive and play their crucial roles in ecosystems!

Call for a Communications and Campaigns Coordinator

to join our Communications team.

18 h/ week

12 EUR/hour

remote

1 year contract

Start 1st August 2024

YEE is seeking a Communications and Campaigns Coordinator

YEE is looking for a part-time Communications and Campaigns Coordinator, to work with the organisation’s advocacy portfolios. The work will be mainly centred on the deliverables of the Environmental Law Portfolio.

The Communications and Campaigns Officer will be responsible for creating content for the organisation’s social media platforms and the website, for developing communication strategies and campaigns, and for helping the advocacy projects produce various visual content such as infographics and designs for articles/booklets.

This position is remote, and requires 18 hours of work per week, with a gross salary of 12 EUR/hour. The position will run from 01/08/2024 to 31/07/2025 (with possible extension upon funding).

Application deadline:

10th July 2024

Your responsibilities

General

⚬ Create and produce informational content about events, resources and activities of the different advocacy portfolios
⚬ Consistently create social media content for Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok
⚬ Proof-read and publish articles and handbooks on topics related to the projects
⚬ Work closely with the Communications team to develop communications material
⚬ Create and design infographics nd visual designs to support policy briefs and handbooks
⚬ Participate in weekly department-, project- and staff meetings
⚬ Support the Advocacy Working Group’s campaigns and projects by helping with articles, creating social media posts and advising on communication strategies

Project-specific responsibilites

⚬ Update the visual identity and communications strategy for the Environmental Law project
⚬ Filming and producing reels, short videos and TikToks related to topics of Environmental Law
⚬ Recruiting and collaborating with influencers to create content
⚬ Producing social media content related to Environmental Law and Climate Litigation
⚬ Working on communications material for the Climate Law Hub (which YEE is a founder of)
⚬ Assist the YEE team in conducting the communications deliverables assigned to YEE for our communications contributions to the BeLIFE consortium

Candidates we are looking for

Requirements

Ideal Profile

Requirements

Ideal Profile

25.6.2024 by YEE

Resources, Articles

Hovering on the edge

Let’s talk bugs!

June 21, 2024

Written by

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Our last article on the history of human insect coevolution already indicated that insects face many challenges. This week the journey continues and we will dive deeper into the challenges faced by insects. We will do this from the perspective of the humble jet, very important hoverfly.

What even is a hoverfly and why are they so important?

Here already we encounter our first challenge. Many arthropod groups are not well understood or equally loved as other arthropod groups by the average European. One such group are hoverflies.

The unknown pollinators

Hoverflies are close relatives of common house flies but unlike house flies are important pollinators instead of decomposers. That’s right, bees and butterflies have another important coworker. Due to the shape of their mouthparts, hoverflies prefer to visit flat instead of cone-shaped flowers. Even though they have important ecological roles, they are unfortunately often forgotten when insects are discussed.

The impact of agricultural intensification

The second challenge faced by hoverflies, as well as many other insects, is agricultural intensification. It is not just the growing of monoculture crops that threatens many hoverfly species, but excessive pesticide use has significant negative effects both on farmland and outside.

Ever heard of a pesticide drift?

This is when, oftentimes invisible, clouds of pesticide travel through the air and into surrounding areas. Because of this, even insects that are kilometres away in a protected area can experience negative consequences of pesticide use.

The impact of urban development

We as humans like to modify our environment to suit our needs. In doing so we often change very important habitat characteristics that are very important for other organisms.

One of these habitat modifications impacting hoverflies is obstructing and controlling the flow of natural waterways. Certain hoverfly species depend on the consistent flow of clean water for the proper development of their larva. This is of particular concern for wetland hoverflies.

When development does not consider the ecological impacts we risk losing valuable habitat characteristics for hoverflies and other insects. Once an ecosystem is lost it can be hard to get it back.

The impact of urban development

We as humans like to modify our environment to suit our needs. In doing so we often change very important habitat characteristics that are very important for other organisms.

One of these habitat modifications impacting hoverflies is obstructing and controlling the flow of natural waterways. Certain hoverfly species depend on the consistent flow of clean water for the proper development of their larva. This is of particular concern for wetland hoverflies.

Urban and industrial development can destroy hoverfly habitat like flower rich meadows, but it can also create opportunities. Promoting flower rich roadsides and changing mowing regimes in urban environments can create additional habitat for hoverflies closer to home.

When development does not consider the ecological impacts we risk losing valuable habitat characteristics for hoverflies and other insects. Once an ecosystem is lost it can be hard to get it back.

Prioritising Habitat Conservation for Arthropod Species Protection

The final challenge we will look into might seem obvious but is not always considered. There are currently 340 hoverfly species considered threatened and many more arthropod species. So it is simply not possible to put species specific conservation measures in place.

Thankfully, on the EU level hoverflies have received attention. But the same can not be said for other arthropod groups. The most effective way to address this challenge is to focus on conserving suitable habitats (not just those under the habitats directive) and enacting policies that take a holistic approach to problem solving. In this regard the EU farm to fork strategy and Nature Restoration Law are crucial.

You as an individual can also contribute by providing hiding places for these insects (dead wood is much appreciated), planting native flowering plants and using less pesticides in your garden.

A Coevolution Tale: Humans, Plants, and Insects

Let’s talk bugs!

June 7, 2024

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Have you ever wondered how the intricate relationship between insects, plants, and humans came to be? Let’s travel through time to uncover the fascinating coevolution of these vital partners that had a major role in shaping our modern world.

In the Beginning: Insects and Plants

The earliest insects emerged around 400 million years ago, long before humans. As plants began to colonise land, insects evolved to exploit the resources that plants provided.

Did you know pollinating insects are far more diverse than bees? They include species of flies, beetles, moths, butterflies, wasps as well as ants. Those pollinators coevolved with flowering plants, called angiosperms, that appeared around 170 million years ago. In exchange for pollinating services, those plants reward insects with food such as nectar. Pollen itself is a source of nutrients as well for some species like wasps! This mutually beneficial relationship allowed angiosperms to diversify extensively.

We owe the most famous example of this coevolution to Darwin. The scientist predicted that Angraecum sesquipedale, a Malagasy orchid with 30cm nectar spurs, must be pollinated by a hawk moth with an extremely long tongue (proboscis). Some plants like Ophrys apifera even mimic the appearance and scent of female bees to attract male pollinators, thus exploiting this relationship.

The Agricultural Revolution: Insects and Humans

As humans transitioned from hunter-gatherer societies to agricultural ones around 10,000 years ago, the role of insects became even more crucial. Early farmers harnessed the power of pollinators and pest controllers. The domestication of honeybees such as the European honeybee (Apis mellifera), for honey and crop pollination is one of the most significant examples of the use of insects for agricultural purposes.

However, not all interactions were beneficial. The European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), became notorious for its ability to devastate corn crops. This led to the development of early pest control methods, illustrating the complex and sometimes adversarial relationship between humans and insects.

The Industrial Age : Insect Decline

The industrial revolution led to significant changes in agriculture in order to increase productivity: mechanisation, modernisation, monoculture and increased pesticide use. They all heavily altered the dynamics between humans, plants, and insects. In the mid-20th century, following World War Two, the widespread use of DDT* caused severe declines in pollinator populations. This broad spectrum pesticide kills pests and other insects such as bees without distinction and is responsible for long term toxicity.

This example among many led to a reevaluation of pest management practices and interdiction of particularly dangerous molecules. Therefore, DDT was banned from agricultural use worldwide in 2001.

*DDT : Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane

Contemporary times and Beyond: Insect Conservation

In contemporary times, the situation has grown even more complex. Human induced threats such as habitat loss, climate change, and spreading of invasive species threaten insect populations, as well as human health. Showing a renewed appreciation for insects’ roles in our ecosystems and everyday life, conservation efforts are made to restore and protect their habitats and diversity. In Europe, initiatives such as the EU Pollinators Initiative aimed to address these challenges by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, conservation strategies, and supporting research on pollinator health. Numerous environmental organisations are advocating for reduced pesticide use and increased biodiversity in agricultural landscapes to support insect populations.

As we look to the future, the coevolution of humans, plants, and insects will undoubtedly continue to shape our world. Understanding and preserving these relationships is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring food security!

Call for internal auditors 2024/2025

uneven

volunteering

remote

elected

Start 1st August 2024

Open call for the Internal Auditors 2024/2025

Youth and Environment Europe (YEE) is pleased to announce the open call for internal auditors 2024/2025. The internal auditors will be voted in during our Annual Meeting 2024.

Internal auditors are independent individuals with the function of providing an objective assessment of the organisation.

How to apply?

All interested candidates are invited to fill in the application form including a CV by the 11th July 2024, 23:59 CEST.

Application deadline:

15th June 2024

The Internal Audit (IA) is a monitoring organ. The aims of the IA are:

The IA is conducted once per year. The internal auditors are expected to carry out the audit at the YEE office for 2 full days at least 60 days before the following General Assembly.

Internal Auditors are entitled to receive 100% reimbursement of travel costs (as long as YEE Travel Policy is respected), accommodation, and vegetarian food for the days when the IA is carried out.

3.6.2024 by YEE

Opportunities, YEE News

Call for board members 2024/2025

5 h/ week

volunteering

remote

elected

Start 1st August 2024

Open call for the Executive Board 2024/2025

Youth and Environment Europe (YEE) is pleased to announce the open call for the Executive Board 2024/2025. The members of the board will be voted in during our Annual Meeting 2024.

The Executive Board is responsible for making all the decisions between the Annual Meetings and the implementation of the Work Plan accepted by the General Assembly, together with the Secretariat.

How to apply?

All interested candidates are invited to fill in the application form including a CV and nomination letter from any of YEE member organisations by the 15th June 2024, 23:59 CEST.

Application deadline:

15th June 2024

By assuming the position of a Board Member you will:

Get an excellent opportunity to work in an ambitious multinational team
Get international exposure and hands-on experience in your selected domain
Develop your competencies and acquire a range of skills that will be beneficial for your future
Attain concrete opportunities for your education or career development

Who are we looking for:

The position of a Board Member of YEE is voluntary and remote. All members of the Board assume responsibilities according to the position they take.

The positions are as follows:

• Chairperson – governance and chairing of the Board,
• Treasurer – fundraising, External Relations Officer – external partnerships and visibility,
• Project Officer – YEE projects,
• Communications Officer – YEE newsletter and social media,
• Member Organisations Officer – Regional teams and membership management.
• External Relations Officer – Partnerships

Learn more about each position in our Board Members Policy.

3.6.2024 by YEE

YEE News, Member organisations, Past events

YEE’s Annual Meeting 2024

from 12th to 14th July 2024 in Prague, Czechia

Practical information

When

12th July to 14th July 2024
Where

Prague, Czechia
Fees

Fully funded for official delegates
How

Hybrid

Share This Event

Youth and Environment Europe would like to announce that the Annual Meeting and the General Assembly of YEE will take place on from 12th to 14th July 2024 in Prague, Czechia.

We are happy to say that it will take place in person with an option to join in remotely. Hereby, we would like to ask each YEE member organisation to appoint a delegate to represent and vote on behalf of your organisation during the General Assembly (GA).

Food, accommodation, and visa expenses or the duration of the annual meeting will be covered in full. Travel expenses will be reimbursed according to the Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2024.

How can you join?

Open calls

Become a board member

Responsibilities

Become an internal auditor

Responsibilities

Have questions? Get in touch!

News

Conclusion of the YEE Annual Meeting 2024

3.6.2024 by YEE

YEE News, Past events

The Future of the European Green Deal

Challenges and Opportunities After the European Elections

Practical information

When

Wednesday 19th June 2024 from 16.00 CEST
Where

U-Residence, VUB, Brussels/Online
Fees

free
How

Register

Partners

Share This Event

Join us for “The Future of the European Green Deal: Challenges and Opportunities After the European Elections” – a hybrid panel discussion hosted by The Earth Society, YEE (Youth and Environment Europe), and VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel). The panel will be followed by a networking drink!

Why are we doing this

The European elections are around the corner and the landscape for climate action is expected to shift. What does this mean for the future of the European Green Deal?

Whether you are a policymaker, researcher, student, or simply passionate about climate action, this event is for you!

This is your chance to hear from leading experts and engage in a critical discussion about:

Meet the speakers

Flora Dicke

Researcher at Ecologic Institute

Flora Dicke works as a Researcher at Ecologic Institute in Berlin. Her main areas of research are German and EU climate mitigation and adaption policy, as well as topics connected to political economy and socio-economics. Her current activities center around the EU-funded Horizon 2020 project “Transformative Policies for a Climate-Neutral European Union (4I-TRACTION)”, where she works on policy instruments with transformative potential and supports the synthesis of project results and their dissemination. Additionally, she is involved in the socio-economic assessment of adaptation measures and assesses international taxation options for the benefit of climate finance.

Sebastian Oberthür

Professor and Co-director

Prof. Dr. Sebastian Oberthür is the Co-Director of the Research Centre for Environment, Economy and Energy, and Professor for Environment and Sustainable Development at the Brussels School of Governance (BSoG). He is also Professor of Environmental Policy and Law at the Centre for Climate Change, Energy and Environmental Law at the University of Eastern Finland. He has extensive expertise on European and international environmental governance, policy and law, including climate governance, with an emphasis on institutional issues and perspectives.

Stephanny Ulivieri

Project Lead at YEE

Stephanny is a young intersectional activist working in the fields of climate change, biodiversity, migration, and displacement with an academic background in international relations, development and international cooperation. She has experience working for the UN, the European Commission and for several youth-led organizations at an European and global level. She currently works with YEE as a Project Lead for Sustainaware, an initiative focused on addressing the topic of environmental health and climate sustainability through building the capacity of European organizations to work across sectors.

Andrea Casamenti

Just Transition Policy Coordinator at Solidar Foundation

Andrea Casamenti is the Policy Coordinator for Just Transition at SOLIDAR, a network of over 50 civil society organisations across Europe representing millions of people committed to social justice and solidarity. Andrea leads SOLIDAR’s policy and advocacy work on a socially just transition to sustainable development in Europe, including the management of the European Alliance for a Just Transition, a coalition bringing together more than 40 European stakeholders with a common vision for a just transition in Europe.

Arvea Marieni

Partner and board member at Brainscapita

Arvea is a partner and board member of the management consulting firm Brainscapital, a shareholder of the French engineering firm BEAM CUBE, where she co-leads the Ecological Transition Solutions Division, and a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN. As a strategic advisor, climate policy expert and innovation manager, she specialises in EU-China environmental cooperation and serves as an expert for the European Commission, including Horizon evaluations, and as a consultant to the UNFCCC. In 2024, she was invited to join the Steering Committee of the Master in Agricultural and Food Economics at the Università CaSolica del Sacro Cuore, Cremona Campus.

Have questions? Get in touch!

Other upcoming events

31.5.2024 by YEE

About YEE

Entries by YEE

Everything you need to know about air pollution in the EU

Written by

Paul Sélegard

Contents

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What is air pollution?

Where do these pollutants come from?

What are the consequences of air pollution?

Key numbers to evaluate air pollution

The political context

The main elements of this reform are:

More articles about air quality

Ending Bottom Trawling: A Call for Real Protection of the Marine Environment

What is bottom trawling and why is it problematic

The impact of bottom trawling on marine ecosystems

The impact of bottom trawling on climate change

The EU’s position on bottom trawling

YEE and GYBN calls for a ban of bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas

Help us spread the word! Share this statement

Learn more about marine conservation

Time to Act! – What can we do to support insect conservation

Written by

Emilie Tamo Kamguia

Contents

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UKY4N: Raising Awareness Through Creative Campaigns.

What’s Next?

JNM: Research and Human-Insect Cohabitation

What makes this beetle so special?

Taking action: How can YOU help

In your garden:

With your community:

More articles about biodiversity

Call for a Communications and Campaigns Coordinator

YEE is seeking a Communications and Campaigns Coordinator

Application deadline: 10th July 2024

Your responsibilities

Candidates we are looking for

Hovering on the edge

Written by

Ashton Melfor

Contents

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What even is a hoverfly and why are they so important?

The unknown pollinators

The impact of agricultural intensification

Ever heard of a pesticide drift?

The impact of urban development

The impact of urban development

Prioritising Habitat Conservation for Arthropod Species Protection

More articles about biodiversity

A Coevolution Tale: Humans, Plants, and Insects

Written by

Emilie Tamo Kamguia

Contents

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In the Beginning: Insects and Plants

The Agricultural Revolution: Insects and Humans

Contemporary times and Beyond: Insect Conservation

More articles about biodiversity

Call for internal auditors 2024/2025

Open call for the Internal Auditors 2024/2025

How to apply?

Application deadline: 15th June 2024

The Internal Audit (IA) is a monitoring organ. The aims of the IA are:

Call for board members 2024/2025

Open call for the Executive Board 2024/2025

How to apply?

Application deadline: 15th June 2024

By assuming the position of a Board Member you will:

Who are we looking for:

The positions are as follows:

YEE’s Annual Meeting 2024

Practical information

When

Where

Fees

How

Application deadline:

10th July 2024

Application deadline:

15th June 2024

Application deadline:

15th June 2024