The environment is a field where collaborative research traditionally has proven to be fruitful. Over the past few years, environmental concerns have gone mainstream and it is high time to pursue actions for a sustainable and environmentally-friendly Europe. That will require a lot of environmental research and development, and we endeavour to contribute to tackling these major 21st century challenges.
European research has received an important boost to address these challenges. The launch of the new 54 billion Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) in January 2007 is creating quite a stir, and environmental research is among the priorities. Within the FP7 'Cooperation' Programme, the theme dealing with environment (including climate change) has a budget of 1.9 billion. A wide range of research topics are addressed, grouped into four areas: climate change, pollution and risks; sustainable management of resources; environmental technologies; and earth observation and assessment tools for sustainable development.
Objectives of research for the environment
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 will be put on prediction tools and on technologies for monitoring, prevention as well as mitigation of and adaptation to environmental pressures and risks.
Specific attention will be given to informing decision-makers in their design of environmental policy, as well as business leaders and citizens about the challenges and opportunities they face.
What will be funded?
Emphasis will be given to the following activities:
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Climate change, pollution and risks
- Pressures on the environment and climate
- Environment and health
- Natural hazards
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Sustainable Management of Resources
- Conservation and sustainable management of natural and man-made resources and biodiversity
- Management of marine environments
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Environmental Technologies
- Environmental technologies for observation, simulation, prevention, mitigation, adaptation, remediation and restoration of the natural and man-made environment
- Protection, conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage, including human habitat improved damage assessment on cultural heritage
- Technology assessment, verification and testing
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Earth observation and assessment tools
- Earth and ocean observation systems and monitoring methods for the environment and sustainable development
- Forecasting methods and assessment tools for sustainable development taking into account differing scales of observation
International cooperation: a matter of top scientific and political priority
The European Commission has launched a new approach to international cooperation under FP7. The intensified globalisation process, the rise of new economies, and the global character of environmental problems call for broader international research collaboration.
One of the main objectives of the international cooperation actions is to strengthen European competitiveness through strategic partnership with third countries by engaging best third country scientists to work in and with Europe. In parallel, specific problems that third countries face or that have a global character and may have an impact on their sustainable development, will be addressed in a dialogue based on mutual interest and mutual benefit.
Last updated on: 2010-05-19