Europe’s Climate and Environment

A Halloween ecological ‘thriller’?

They arrive uninvited, terrorise, outcompete native species and cost our nature dearly.

They are the ultimate 'body snatchers' of our ecosystems. The Asian hornet, (Vespa velutina) is one of 114 invasive species listed by the European Union. It has spread quickly across many European countries and poses a direct threat to native insect species, including key pollinators.

How concerned should we be about invasive animal and plant species? What about their impacts on our nature?

In this episode we sit down with our nature experts Christina Baritaki and Brian MacSharry as well as students from the Danish School of Media and Journalism (DMJX) to discuss the impacts and challenges and actions the EU is taking against these invaders.

A Halloween ecological ‘thriller’?

They arrive uninvited, terrorise, outcompete native species and cost our nature dearly.

They are the ultimate "body snatchers" of our ecosystems. The Asian hornet, (Vespa velutina) is one of 114 invasive species listed by the European Union. It has spread quickly across many European countries and poses a direct threat to native insect species, including key pollinators.

How concerned should we be about invasive animal and plant species? What about their impacts on our nature?

In this episode we sit down with our nature experts Christina Baritaki and Brian MacSharry as well as students from the Danish School of Media and Journalism (DMJX) to discuss the impacts and challenges and actions the EU is taking against these invaders.

Businesses have a key role to play in Europe’s shift to a circular economy, but why is it that so many circular ‘start-ups’ don’t make it past initial stages and grow? What hurdles do companies face in adapting to a circular economy?

In this episode we talk with our circular economy, consumption and production expert Lars Fogh Mortensen to discuss what works and what doesn’t and what is needed to boost circular business.

Joining Lars is Kathelijn van Elk, head of impact programmes from ‘Too Good to Go’ a mobile app and social impact company to give the unique perspective from a circular business which works to reduce food waste, connecting consumers with local restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and supermarkets to buy surplus, unsold food at a reduced price.

Businesses have a key role to play in Europe’s shift to a circular economy, but why is it that so many circular ‘start-ups’ don’t make it past initial stages and grow? What hurdles do companies face in adapting to a circular economy?

In this episode we talk with our circular economy, consumption and production expert Lars Fogh Mortensen to discuss what works and what doesn’t and what is needed to boost circular business.

Joining Lars is Kathelijn van Elk, head of impact programmes from ‘Too Good to Go’ a mobile app and social impact company to give the unique perspective from a circular business which works to reduce food waste, connecting consumers with local restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and supermarkets to buy surplus, unsold food at a reduced price.

How much is climate change costing us in terms of lives lost, economic losses and impacts on our lives?

In Part II of 'The Heat Is On - are we ready for a changed climate?' we dig into these costs and our experts give a Europe wide check-up on how we are doing in adapting and building resilience both at national, regional and local levels.

Our experts also run through the recent EEA briefings and data on these issues via the links below: 

Our updated EEA Interactive platform: Climate impacts and preparedness in Europe https://discomap.eea.europa.eu/ClimatePreparedness2026/

Progress on adaptation: https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/publications/climate-resilience-in-europe-2025-progress-and-challenges

Climate resilience in smaller communities: https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/publications/climate-resilience-in-smaller-communities

Making agriculture, energy and transport climate resilient: how much money is required and what will it deliver? https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/publications/costs-and-benefits-of-adaptation-actions-in-europe