In light of efforts to move towards a ‘greener economy’ in Europe, reform proposals for the EU’s current environment and energy policies have become subject to intense discussions at EU level. Current negotiations on an Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) signify the latest of such efforts, with current attempts by EU member states to water down the draft proposal threatening the commitment needed to tackle the prevalent energy challenges. Experts have also warned that the EU should assess its energy dependency in light of probable impacts on third countries, said to be of a detrimental nature.

In light of prevailing chronic malnutrition experienced by many people in developing countries, a new international project on agricultural biodiversity seeks to combat this trend by promoting diverse farming systems, to deliver a balanced variety of nutrition and consequently greater health. If the world is to feed everyone in a healthy way, the natural variety of crops and animals contributing to agriculture should be acknowledged and traditional food production further promoted, the initiators believe.

On 7 May, the EU, together with the US, Norway and Switzerland, adopted an international agreement to reduce cross-border air pollution. The agreement is the first of its kind, with multilateral agreements having become very difficult to agree upon. The accord signifies another step taken by the international community in seeking to tackle climate change, an issue of growing importance for many governments.

At the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa, held from 9-11 May 2012 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, participants discussed the current economic transformation experienced by African countries and their relationship with foreign powers. With its high levels of economic growth, the continent has become an attractive investment opportunity, exhibiting major opportunities but also risks that were addressed during the conference.

From 7-8 May, EU Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard and the Danish Presidency of the EU hosted an informal ministerial roundtable on climate change, ahead of the next climate summit to be held in Qatar at the end of 2012. Participants met with EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik and EU Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs to discuss potential common priorities and goals for the upcoming UN conference on sustainable development (Rio+20), to be held in Rio de Janeiro from 20-22 June.