The Message from Athens
May 4th, 2009
My last blog was on the build up to the Athens biodiversity conference. Over a very busy two days politicians, NGOs, academics, national officials and businesses not only discussed the issues but were able to reach a broad consensus on what needs to be done.
From the scientists we heard how the loss of biodiversity is continuing at something like 1000 times the “normal” level. And from the economists we heard that this loss is costing us trillions of Euros through the loss of ecosystem services. What is more - just like climate change - it is the very poorest who are hit hardest, because they are most directly dependent on the natural environment for their livelihoods.
There was some good news. Many of the measures taken in Europe are having a positive impact. Some the pressures on European ecosystems are being reduced and the rate of biodiversity loss has been slowed. But, despite this progress, it is now clear that the 2010 target for halting the loss of biodiversity will not be met. Additional efforts are needed and identifying these measures was the main reason for the conference.
We are at the very beginning of a long and challenging process, but the “Message from Athens” will help set the agenda over the coming years. There is no single measure that can stop the loss of biodiversity. Many areas were identified where urgent action is needed. But perhaps the Message can be summarised as recognising the need to develop a coherent vision of why biodiversity really matters to the quality of our daily lives. Understanding the true value of nature has to be the foundation of engaging public and political opinion. And once this is done the priority will be integrating biodiversity concerns into all other policy areas.
There is no political issue more important than the loss of biodiversity. It is – quite literally – the future of life on earth. The Athens conference stated a process which, I hope, will lead to the new generation of policies that will finally allow us to guarantee the conservation of Europe’s natural heritage.
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May 5th, 2009 at 8:03 pm #
I am concerned that the requirement for using energy saving bulbs will cause many problems when these bulbs are discarded. An article in the Sunday Times:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6211261.ece?Submitted=true
is also very relevant to the manufacture of these bulbs. Please read the article.
Please reconsider the instructions for use of these bulbs after seeing the article in The Times. and the fact that their disposal will cause environmental issues.
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My country: United Kingdom
May 11th, 2009 at 7:49 pm #
It is very positive to see the connection made between biodiversity and climate issues, and the emphasis and value finally being placed on biodiversity and ecosystems and the services and goods they provide in Greece, the Mediterrenean and for all of Europe. The recently released EU White Paper on Adaptation to Climate Change (ec.europa.eu/environment/climat/adaptation/index_en.htm) also emphasises the connection between biodiversity and climate. The upcoming Green Week in Brussels in June includes has a similar focus on biodiversity and climate (ec.europa.eu/environment/greenweek/). The White Paper will be a key means to incorporate new evidence as it arises, and build legislative and political action. From my perspective, the White Paper importantly emphasises the vital impacts and need for adaptation and mitigation in coasts and marine areas, and for fresh and marine waters. Some EU initiatives in that White Paper that need to be emphasized and enthusiastically supported by member states, industry, and civil society organizations are the links between biodiversity and climate adaptation for the Water Framework Directive, the Integrated Maritime Policy, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the Common Fisheries Policy (CFS) and Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Recommendations. Furthermore, the White Paper indicates that policies and measures will be developed to address biodiversity loss and climate change in an integrated manner, to fully exploit benefits and to avoid ecosystem feedbacks that accelerate global warming.In addition to considering biodiversity and climate for CFS and CAP, there will also be draft guidelines by 2010 on the impact of climate change on the management of Natura 2000 sites. As all these comments suggest, dealing with all these climate and biodiversity issues, and changing governance and management at an EU, regional and local level, is a complex but worthwhile task. As someone who has worked on climate and biodiversity issues almost exclusively since 2002 for the circum-Arctic and Europe, I can not express how heartened and happy I am with the direction that Europe (and eventually the world) is going.So a big thanks to Commissioner Dimas and all the parties at the EU and DG Environment who are working so tirelessly and cooperatively on the issues of biodiversity.
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My country: United Kingdom
May 16th, 2009 at 1:24 pm #
Dear Commissioner:
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My country: Bulgaria
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:24 am #
We have to shift the paradigm from economy to ecology. Because even if the free world relies on free trade and free capitalism, these things has to have a healthy world to live and function in.
So please all you citizens of the world, save the planet and save the species in it.
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My country: Sweden
June 8th, 2009 at 8:04 pm #
Yes, I agree with Stefan - Ecology first, and ecomony - like good looks - can take care of itself !
For very many years now I have “done Wind-energy”, and I have the scars - and data - to prove it. I.e. A Turbine-Alternator Device - TAD ? - which shows that whole percents (5% for instance) of their cost is readily recoverable in many sites.
This is some 30 to 50 times that currently endured from typical “Windfarms” in which governments have invested so heavily.
What I trying to point-out here, is that - unlike usual industry, where high “return” usually means that something - or -body - is “getting it in the neck” - and low returns (on invested capital) are likely to be “environmentally friendly” - with a “Windfarm” the exact reverse is the case. Zero output = 100% environmental/ecological damage.
I would estimate that a return of less than about 3% p.a. of cost from a “Windfarm” puts the environmentally benefit at about zero. Like a boat that only just floats and therefore cannot be used, on environmental grounds. That is in the case with the poorly performing windfarm. Politically, though, it gets us off the (Kioyo) “hook” - if we make enuf of them, and that’s all good for “jobs” and “business”. It would be far less damaging to pay people wads for running-around like headless chicken (are said to).
Bert dot windon at gmail dot com
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My country: Bulgaria
June 11th, 2009 at 8:40 am #
The message to the EU:
The environmental record of the outgoing European Commission is worryingly off target, the ‘Green 10’ coalition of leading environmental organisations said today in Brussels. Environmental groups published an assessment of the Barroso Commission, giving it an overall mark of 4.4/10.
In all, the ‘Green 10’ report examines successes and failures in 12 policy areas that impact the environment, and sets out a checklist for the next Commission. The Green 10 blamed the low score on, among other things, a failure to reform agriculture and fisheries policies, and, more broadly, to propose sustainable economic policies. But there were some positive notes, notably in climate, energy and transport policy.
At a time when Europe is gripped by economic and environmental crises, the environmental groups call on the next Commission to double its efforts over the next five years and put in place policies that benefit the environment and people’s health, and create sustainable economic growth and jobs.
http://tinyurl.com/7z3gj9
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My country: Netherlands
June 23rd, 2009 at 1:39 pm #
Eu creio num natureza ambiental mais saudável, pois desde modo a existência e
reprodução vegetal, animal tem um desempenho mais próximo das necessidades humanas.
O Ser humano precisa para sobreviver de oxigênio puro e saudável ao desenvolvimento da capacidade humana, tal como a natureza ambiental.
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My country: Portugal
July 8th, 2009 at 1:30 pm #
It is interesting and depressing to see the disconnect between these conferences and the reality on the ground in Greece. I would like to ALERT everyone of the imminent building of a landfill by force just north of Athens - in Grammatiko. The landfill is a valley that leads into the sea. Imagine all garbage, including hospital waste, heavy metals etc flowing into the Gulf of Marathon and Evvia with the first rain! Greece is past the deadline and has not explored incineration plant solutions like Germany, France, Austria, and even Italy are doing!
For the sake of Greece, its environment but also its Tourism industry, please contact your local Greek consulate and protest. Spread the word around. I also encourage you to contact the Fish farms which operate in the area, as well as ClubMed and the Tourism industry leaders in your market.
This landfill must be stopped. We also have solutions in the form of Incineration plants.
Thank you for your concern about the beauty and economic health of Greece (notably Tourism!)
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My country: France
July 10th, 2009 at 4:33 pm #
The message from the ancient greeks
As you are in charge of the dynamic of the European activity, I think that Thought is of the element of this dynamic and this will. So I introduce here the link to a site making recension of online philosophical blogospheres,
I take the liberty of pointing out to you this article taking a census of a big party of the active blogs on the blogosphera of philosophy.
http://www.paris-philo.com/article-33636304.html
Comme vous êtes un des garant et des réprésentant de la dynamique qui doit mouvoir l’Europe, je me permets de vous indiquer ce lien recensant les blogs . La pensée n’était pas ce qui doit indiquer la direction de toute dynamique et forger l’audace des nouvelles générations… Européennes
http://paris8philo.over-blog.com/article-33636304.html
Bonne continuation à vous dans toutes vos activités.
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My country: France
August 25th, 2009 at 3:56 pm #
DEAR MR DIMAS:
Thanking you so much for your estimable atention and time, I would like to share with you the concern and sadness of the situation regarding the fire and the uncontrolled wind now in Greece.
I know from France, Spain, Turquey it is being sent lots of seaplanes,
helicopters and all the human resources working 24 hours are not
efficient enough. We all know It is being a serious problem in most of the Mediterranean countries during summer time.
I would like to ask you Sir, as you are the highest responsable of the environment in Europe… what is now the most needed resource to stop this devasting situation in Greece? To calm down the wind and rain water ?
What would it be the most needed miracle to stop it Sir?
How much is the estimate loss in euros? how much does it cost to each country this kind of desaster?
Let me know please if I am wrong. What would you do if nature would be in our side?
With Warmest Regards
Izaskun Lekuona Aduriz
Sönam Chödrom
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My country: Spain
September 16th, 2009 at 10:56 pm #
I wish I could have been there too. How fascinating to be a party in those discussions! I’m glad you could make it there to share your observations with us. Biodiversity is finally getting the focus needed to educate the average person effectively.
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My country: United States of America
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