Analyzing the environmental and resource pressures from European energy activity: A comparative study of EU member states. (15th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: García-Álvarez, María Teresa; Moreno, Blanca; Soares, Isabel
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 115:Part 2(2016)
• Page Start: 1375
• Page End: 1384
• Publication Date: 2016-11-15
• Subjects: Environmental protection -- Energy policy -- Aggregated index -- European Union; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2016.01.035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: Sustainable development and environmental protection are key concepts in the European energy policy. The Europe 2020 Strategy establishes the necessity of reducing environmental pressure and resource consumption to increase sustainable development in the EU. In this context, the aim of this paper is to develop an Environmental and Resource Pressure Aggregated Index that considers these two dimensions. This index provides information about the achievement of the targets in the member states as well as the achieved effects of the environmental policies on energy policy and sustainable development. Therefore, it would help policy-makers to plan future policy actions. The results show that, among EU countries, Portugal, Latvia, Italy, Austria and France have low environmental and resource pressure. Recommendations are made for member states with the worst results (Estonia, Poland, Cyprus, Czech Republic and Luxembourg) in order to improve their actions in climate change and energy policy. Highlights: An aggregated index about environmental protection in energy policy is obtained. It aggregates environmental and resource pressures dimensions. Portugal, Latvia, Italy, Austria and France have the best results. Reinforcing policies are necessary in Estonia, Poland, Cyprus and Czech Republic.