Coal power plants make you sick
March 7, 2013 | Read more
A new report calculates the effects of coal-fired power generation across Europe on chronic lung disease and some heart conditions and the associated costs. It is another clue for both the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Investment Bank to end support for coal as the two revise their energy policies.
These EU citizens have better ideas for EU funds
February 22, 2013 | Read more
Our competition for ideas for EU funds investments that benefit the sustainable development of European communities could offer inspiration for EU and national decision makers. At the final award ceremony in Brussels, the winners told us about their ideas and how EU funding could benefit their countries.
Challenging a mining operation that generates about ten percent of GDP in a country and particularly doing so on environmental and social grounds is an intimidating task. But as the example of the Kumtor gold mine in Kyrgyzstan shows, indefatigability and scientific expertise can persuade decision-makers to defend the interests of a country and its people.
Rio Tinto’s responsibilities in Mongolia extend beyond shareholders
February 15, 2013 | Read more
New civil society recommendations for the Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia illustrate that much more than the bottom line needs to be considered to avoid development at the expense of local communities.
Bogus logic in Ukraine: A nature reserve not worth protecting
February 13, 2013 | Read more
If you thought the purpose of a nature reserve is to protect wildlife from disruptive human interference, then you’re wrong – at least when it comes to nature that’s in the way of electricity infrastructure in Ukraine.
A meeting of civil society and the European Investment Bank’s Board of Directors saw a surprising degree of agreement between two often adverse groups.