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In today's Daily Digest, data shows positive progress to phase out ozone depleting substances, the European Environment Agency report on the public's exposure to bisphenol-A, and more.

Policy

The European Parliament adopted its position on securing the supply of strategic raw materials for the European Union’s digital transition. MEPs highlighted the importance of securing strategic partnerships between the EU and third countries. MEPs also want to push for research and innovation on substitute materials and production processes.

Environment

Data from the European Environment Agency indicates that during 2022 the EU continued its positive progress to phase out ozone depleting substances. The data shows that use of ozone depleting substances was negative indicating that more of the substances were destroyed or exported than was produced or imported. The EU’s commitment to phase out ODS, which are used in applications such as refrigerants, pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemical, comes under the Montreal Protocol.

A report from UNEP and the Yale Centre for Ecosystems + Architecture sets out solutions for decarbonising buildings, the construction sector and the waste it generates. Aimed at policy makers, manufacturers, builders, engineers and more, the report offers a ‘three pronged solution’ for reducing carbon emissions.

Health

The European Environment Agency has said that the public’s exposure to bisphenol-A is well above health safety levels. The conclusion is based on updated research data from an EU biomonitoring study which indicated that 100% of people from 11 EU countries taking part in the study were likely exposed to the chemical above safe health thresholds.

UNEP and the World Meteorological Organisation have said that the impacts of climate change are undermining almost all of the Sustainable Development Goals. The conclusion comes in a multi-agency report which examines the impact of climate change and extreme weather conditions on the goals. The report combines input from 18 organisations.

Agriscience

BASF used the UN’s headquarters in New York, US to host a roundtable on sustainable cotton production. The so called ‘United for the Biggest Job on Earth’ event, brought together farmers and BASF leadership to discuss cotton production and the its use in textiles.