Because the conflict in the Middle East is heavily impacting global energy markets, with a knock-on effect on the economy, industry and households, the Commission is taking specific action with notable measures in relation to the transport sector. To ensure sufficient availability of transport fuels and preserve the effective functioning of the single market, the Commission will step up European coordination on the optimisation of fuel distribution across Member States.
A new package of $67m has been approved by the Global Environment Facility to help nations take frontline action on biodiversity loss, pollution and a rapidly warming planet. With UNDP’s support, the funding will be channelled to nine projects targeting some of the world’s most fragile ecosystems and climate-vulnerable communities in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East and North Africa.
The Mediterranean Sea has officially become an Emission Control Area under MARPOL Annex VI. The sulphur content in fuel oil for ships operating in the area is now limited to 0.1%, significantly reducing air pollution and delivering major benefits to both human health and the marine environment.