How Germany will turn lights out at last black coal mine
After more than 150 years, Germany's last black coal mine will close in the Ruhr region, posing a gigantic geological and environmental challenge to the former industrial heartland.
EU agrees to ban most single-use plastics
EU countries and the European Parliament have agreed details of a ban on single-use plastics, including plates, cutlery and drinking straws, in a bid to cut marine pollution.
The world´s plastic
The graphic shows in a flowchart the whereabouts of all plastics produced between 1950 and 2015.
EU air quality slowly improving but still deadly: report
Air pollution is slowly easing in EU countries but still causes nearly half a million early deaths each year, the European Environment Agency (EEA) says in its annual report.
Most EU countries ‘miss air quality targets’
Most EU countries fail to meet the bloc's air quality standards and more than 1,000 Europeans die prematurely each day, ten times more than in road accidents, a watchdog has said.
War on plastic leaves manufacturers clutching at straws
For decades, plastic straws have been essential props for cocktail makers, smoothie lovers and fast food addicts. But that may be starting to change.
Study: Misleading fuel standards cost drivers billions
Car manufacturers are being accused of manipulating fuel efficiency and emissions figures through loopholes in tests.
EU court rules on mutagenesis technology
The European Court of Justice has agreed with a group of French farmers who believe that mutagenesis techniques could harm humans, animals and the environment.
EU chokes on own air quality standards
Air pollution causes hundreds of thousands of deaths each year in Europe. AFP survey examines how the European Union is trying to enforce air pollution standards across the 28-member bloc.
EU takes UK, Germany, four others to court over air pollution
The European Commission has said it is taking Germany, Britain, France and three other countries to the bloc's highest court for failing to comply with EU air quality standards.