Science for Environment Policy - Homepage

Freshwater reservoirs are contaminated by persistent ‘forever chemicals’. A new study reveals how chemicals build up in these water bodies, finding three key patterns of contamination based on chemical type, source, and history of use.

Pharmaceuticals entering the natural environment may harm ecosystems and human health. This review assesses current and future legislation designed to mitigate this risk, in light of current science.

Microbes work to break down pollutants in constructed wetlands: a sustainable, nature-based solution for wastewater treatment. Enhancing these mechanisms to increase efficiency is possible, finds a new review, further research is needed.

The call aims to increase biodiversity spending in the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026-2027 by supporting additional R&I activities dedicated to biodiversity across Pillar II.

Building a nature-positive economy is essential for Europe's prosperity, resilience and sustainable competitiveness.

Plastics play an important role in our daily lives and economy. These materials are widely used in food packaging, medical equipment, construction, and beyond.

This study looks at restoration outcomes and economic performance in the context of China’s Grain for Green Program, which has been converting farmland to forests in 25 provinces since 1999. It concludes that the project is cost effective and benefits rural communities and ecosystems in China.

Research finds that farmland bird populations in Hungary, Austria, and Slovakia are declining as a result of agricultural intensification, landscape structure, high-input farming, and fertiliser use – although with varying impact in the three countries. Tailored conservation strategies could help.

Agroecology (sustainable farming) offers an alternative to rising pesticide use, but adoption requires wide societal cooperation. The local scale is crucial for this cooperation, and this French study looked at opportunities to influence agroecological transition at the local agricultural level.

Farming innovations in dryland regions intended to break poverty traps can often neglect environmental problems, entrenching degradation and poverty. Analysis of connections between innovation and poverty traps shows the importance of ecological feedback in achieving sustainable wellbeing.