The province of Antwerp, in northern Belgium, is leading the way in the energy transition. Bolstered by collaborations between climate conscious citizens and local authorities, the province is home to five energy cooperatives, most of which started as citizen initiatives.

Image Day Mechelen res
Mechelen, Belgium. Credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery

The city of Mechelen, visible in this false colour image acquired by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites on 21 September 2024, stands out as a leader in climate and energy strategy: in the last decade, the city reduced its carbon emissions by 15% per capita. It has further set out to draft a fossil-free heating strategy for the future.

Open data from the Copernicus Sentinel satellites and services is key to providing communities with important information on the implementation status of policies related to sustainable energy.

Featured image credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery

Image: aerial view of a Bangkok city park
Urban plant growth declines when cities expand too quicklyClimate

Urban plant growth declines when cities expand too quickly

A global study finds that climate-driven gains in urban vegetation can outweigh the effects of urban expansion only when cities expand slowly enough to preserve…
SourceSourceJuly 6, 2026 Full article
Image: European fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra)
Temperate species found more vulnerable to climate change than previously thoughtClimate

Temperate species found more vulnerable to climate change than previously thought

Researchers analyzing more than 5,100 species worldwide found local extinctions linked to climate change occur more often in temperate regions than previously believed Summary: Local…
SourceSourceJune 22, 2026 Full article
Image: Illuminated Street and Jiefangbei Monument in Chongqing, China
China’s family policies may threaten carbon neutrality by 2060Climate

China’s family policies may threaten carbon neutrality by 2060

China’s relaxation of family size restrictions may complicate its ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, according to new research from University College London…
Adrian AlexandreAdrian AlexandreOctober 20, 2024 Full article