Thessaloniki gets ready for its metro launch in November
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
Every year the state forest agency collects more than 1,000 cubic metres of illegally dumped waste
Data provided by Latvian State Forests shows that the agency collects more than 1,000 cubic meters of waste dumped illegally in the country’s forests each year. The flawed waste management system, including the introduction of new fees for the previously free disposal of car tyres in landfills, offers few incentives to Latvians to get rid of their waste responsibly, experts say, calling for legislative changes.
In the meantime, a mobile app, launched by the State Environmental Service (SES) four years ago to promote public involvement in littering and other environmental issues, is becoming increasingly popular, Latvian Radio reports.
In the first three years since its inception, the “Environment SOS” app has registered 1 500 to 2 000 reports a year. In 2019, however, the response to environmental violations has doubled to 4 000 reports. Most of the reported cases concern litter discarded deep into forests, like debris, car tyres, PET bottles and old furniture. Recent reports from the area of Daugava's arches (railway bridge) depict “mountains of household waste dumped in beautiful places”, according to an SES official.
Citizens also frequently report illegal fishing nets in rivers or lakes, as well as smells from industrial or agricultural activities and chemicals spilled on roads.
When SES receives a message, it assumes a coordinating role, by informing local governments, forest agencies and the State Plant Protection Service, depending on the nature of reported pollutants.
The application shows if a reported violation has been addressed to, but users often complain of a lack of feedback, especially when the problem is not solved by the responsible party.
SES argues that the application could be expanded in the future to allow users to report nature conservation violations in addition to environmental issues, as people are often unable to distinguish them.
The Environmental Service invites citizens to clean up minor environmental disturbances themselves. This voluntary activity can also be recorded in the application and can serve as an example to others.
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
That’s because the state has to spend money on updating the railway infrastructure rather than subsidizing the cost of the popular pass
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The examples, compiled by Beyond Fossil Fuels, can inform and inspire communities and entrepreneurs that still feel trepidation at the prospect of energy transition
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
The 10th European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns (ESCT) sets the stage for stronger cooperation between the EU, national and local level to fast track Europe's transition to climate neutrality.
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
Hostal de Pinós is located in the geographical centre of the autonomous region
Despite its church-y name, the district has long been known as the hangout spot for the artsy crowds
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
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