Environmental policy, unlike other political fields, is an area in which the European Union has a comparatively wide array of responsibilities. In some of them the block has tackled problems head-on. One example is plastics, the use of which the EU is keen on limiting. On the other hand critics argue that the EU isn’t very forceful when it comes to issues such as air pollution or eco-friendly agriculture. Will the bloc use its powers more effectively in the future?
Environmental pollution
Working towards a cleaner union
Where do nitrates come from?
Nitrate is a compound formed from nitrogen and oxygen. Although nitrogen in many compounds is essential for life on Earth, excessive amounts of nitrates can be hazardous for plants and humans. This graphic shows how nitrogen is transformed into nitrates.
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