Mar Menor: cleaning Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon

Mar Menor, Europe's largest coastal saltwater lagoon in southeastern Spain, has faced severe contamination from agricultural runoff, leading to ecological collapses and significant biodiversity loss. Local authorities and activists are implementing various restoration and prevention measures, including legislation limiting inorganic fertilizers, planting hedges, and clamping down on illegal irrigation. Despite some improvements, experts warn that more drastic actions are needed. The lagoon's degradation has impacted local industries and prompted widespread protests. A combination of nature-based solutions and regulatory measures is seen as the most effective approach to restore the lagoon's health.

Why is Denmark expanding its cruel Syrian refugee policy?

Denmark has been expanding its stringent asylum policy, increasingly deeming Syrian regions as safe for return and revoking refugee protection. This policy contradicts the UN Commission of Inquiry into Syria, the EU Parliament, and human rights organizations' findings. The Danish Immigration Service's actions have left many Syrian refugees, like 75-year-old Hashim Daher Amam, in fear of being forced back to Syria, despite the country's conditions being 'serious, fragile and unpredictable.' Denmark's 'temporary protection' approach, which began with a 2014 amendment to the Aliens Act, has been criticized for inducing a sense of unwelcome and temporariness among refugees. Despite the policy's harshness, actual revocations after the appeal process are relatively low. Denmark's approach is influencing other European countries' immigration policies, with conservative parties seeking inspiration from the 'Danish Model.'

Why is Denmark expanding its cruel Syrian refugee policy?

Denmark has expanded its controversial asylum policy, increasingly deeming more Syrian regions safe for return despite international opposition and the ongoing instability in Syria. This policy has led to the revocation of refugee protections for many Syrians, causing significant distress and uncertainty. The Danish government's stance has been criticized by various human rights organizations and is seen as setting a dangerous precedent in the European Union. The policy has also inspired other countries to adopt similar restrictive measures, further complicating the plight of Syrian refugees.

Europe’s trains: Why a fragmented rail network is failing passengers and the planet

The article by María Elorza Saralegui and Helena Rodríguez discusses the challenges facing European rail travel, despite common misconceptions that trains are more expensive than planes. A study by the International Union of Railways suggests significant savings when choosing trains over planes. The authors identify three main issues: a fragmented railway network driven by national interests, a historical lack of cross-border coordination, and inefficient and sometimes unfair investments. The European Railway Agency (ERA) and the Community of European Railways and Infrastructure Companies (CER) provide insights into the complexities of the current system, including the separation of infrastructure and operators, technical standardization issues, and the digital challenges of ticket purchasing. The article also touches on EU efforts to improve rail infrastructure and the anticipation of tax reforms that could level the playing field between rail and air travel. Greenpeace's stance on customer rights and the potential environmental benefits of shifting to rail are also discussed.

Pact on Migration and Asylum: Acceptance of a Pact Violating Human Rights

After six months of pressure, Luxembourg and other EU member states, including Germany and Portugal, accepted a controversial provision in the EU's Migration and Asylum Pact, legalizing the detention of migrant children. The pact, finalized in December 2023, aims to control and limit new arrivals at EU borders. Despite public opposition and warnings from civil society and the UN, the pact was accepted due to pressure from countries like France and the Netherlands. The article highlights the human rights violations and the political maneuvering behind the pact's acceptance.

Denmark's efforts to revoke protections for Syrian refugees

Denmark's new immigration policy has led to the revocation of residence permits for Syrian refugees, declaring Damascus safe for return. Nisrin Mohamad Amam, a Syrian refugee, faces the possibility of losing her permit, reflecting broader criticisms from humanitarian organizations and EU lawmakers. The policy aligns with the Social Democratic Party's 'zero asylum' promise, drawing significant criticism from refugee advocates like Michala Bendixen of Refugees Welcome Denmark.

Why are train journeys unpopular in Europe?

Train travel in Europe faces challenges due to a fragmented network, lack of cross-border coordination, and inefficient investments. National interests often overshadow international connectivity, leading to higher costs and longer travel times. Despite recent political shifts and increased funding, the European rail system struggles with technical standardization and integrated infrastructure. Environmental advocates and organizations like Greenpeace push for reforms, including a proposed EU-wide tax on aviation fuels to subsidize train travel. The European Commission's action plan aims to reduce travel times and promote rail use, but its effectiveness remains to be seen.

Articles and reviews published in the Luxembourgish media outlet woxx.

Why losing heritage to the climate crisis is a process best embraced

The article discusses the impact of climate change on cultural heritage, focusing on the Rubjerg Knude lighthouse in Denmark. The lighthouse, which was recently moved inland to protect it from coastal erosion, serves as a case study for the broader issue of heritage sites threatened by sea level rise. Lars Krants, a senior curator at Moesgaard Museum, expresses skepticism about moving landmarks as a means of preservation, suggesting it can detract from their authenticity. The article explores the tension between the desire to preserve cultural heritage and the inevitability of change and loss due to natural processes and climate change. It also touches on the legal and financial challenges of archaeological investigation and preservation in Denmark. Anthropologist David Harvey adds perspective on the value of heritage sites, suggesting that their vulnerability can enhance their appeal and that learning to accept loss can be a positive human attribute.

Listen to the sounds of national park Mols Bjerge in Denmark while reading the article.

The article discusses the challenges of biodiversity preservation in Denmark, particularly in the national park of Mols Bjerge. Despite Denmark's rich biodiversity, the country is not meeting the EU's biodiversity targets. The national park, mostly privately-owned, does not add additional protections to the land. The Danish government has taken steps to address biodiversity loss, but the effectiveness of national parks in halting the decline is questioned. The article highlights the need for stricter legal protections and nature restoration. It also covers the efforts to engage with private landowners for conservation purposes and the potential impact of new 'nature national parks' being initiated by the Social Democratic government. The upcoming UN Convention on Biological Diversity's COP 15 is mentioned as a significant event for global biodiversity commitments.