Representing a 37% rise from last year, the projects will support EU objectives in the areas of biodiversity and the circular economy, and will contribute to a planned ‘green recovery’ from the coronavirus pandemic, as well as helping Europe become a climate-neutral continent by 2050. LIFE projects bring solutions to some of the most serious challenges of our time such as climate change, loss of nature and unsustainable use of resources. Approximately EUR 220 million are allocated to a wide range of projects on environment and resource efficiency, nature and biodiversity, and environmental governance and information and over EUR 60 million to support climate change mitigation, adaptation and governance and information projects. This includes major investments aimed at protecting and enhancing Europe’s biodiversity. Projects such as restoring peatlands – unique ecosystems home to many highly adapted, rare and threatened species – will contribute to the implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy. Peatlands are also an important carbon sink, and can boost Europe’s drive toward climate neutrality by 2050.
The LIFE projects also support reducing energy consumption in new buildings, in line with the recently launched EU Renovation Wave Strategy. Funds will go into developing universal and affordable low-carbon solution that could reduce energy consumption in all new buildings by up to 40%. Funds will also go towards projects that prevent food waste and lead to improved waste management in line with the new EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan. Financial resources are also being earmarked for projects to help energy-intensive industries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.