Overview
With environmental concerns having grown in visibility in recent years, this is the time to pursue actions for a sustainable and environmentally friendly Europe. That will require extensive environmental research and development as we endeavour to contribute to tackling these major 21st century challenges. Environment is a field where collaborative research traditionally has proven to be highly fruitful. Furthermore, the challenges posed by the increasing natural and man-made pressures on the environment and its resources require a coordinated approach at pan-European and international levels.
EU environmental research is at the forefront of efforts to address upcoming challenges. A multidisciplinary, integrated research approach will allow the identification of solutions that respect the environment, are economically feasible and socially acceptable. The results of this research will contribute to the economic recovery of Europe.
FP7 environmental research has a twofold objective: on the one hand it is to promote the sustainable management of the environment and its resources through increasing knowledge about the interactions between the climate, biosphere, ecosystems and human activities. On the other hand, it is also to develop new technologies, tools and services that address global environmental issues. Emphasis is being placed on prediction tools and technologies for monitoring, prevention, mitigation of and adaptation to environmental pressures and risks. Specific attention is also being given to informing decision-makers in their design of environmental policy, as well as business leaders and ordinary citizens about the challenges and opportunities they face.
A wide range of research topics are addressed, which can be grouped under ten research priorities:
- Climate change
- Natural hazards
- Environment and health
- Natural resources management
- Biodiversity
- Marine environment
- Land and urban management
- Environmental technologies including cultural heritage
- Earth observation
- Sustainable and environmentally friendly Europe
Assessment tools for sustainable development