Weekly digest of news & insights from the world of sustainability, climate & nature.
Issue Date: 4th September 2025
👋 Welcome to the first weekly edition of the Greener Insights! Each week, we’ll share a round-up of key climate, nature, and sustainability news, plus practical tips & inspiration for everyday action.
EU Wildfires - 2025 the Worst Season on Record
Europe has faced its worst ever wildfire season this summer. Close to a million hectares have burned, with Spain and Portugal especially hard hit. By comparison, the average annual rate (2006–2024) was only around a third of what authorities are tackling this year.
The combination of drier summers and rising temperatures are key drivers of the crisis. Detailed statistics on wildfire rates are available from the EFFIS database.
Beyond the direct safety and ecological damage, wildfires also pose a growing threat to southern Europe’s tourism economy. In fact, wildfires and record-breaking heatwaves are fuelling a new trend for ‘coolcations’ - travellers seeking cooler destinations. (See more from Travel and Tour World)
👉 With hotter summers set to become the norm, Europe will need to rethink both tourism and resilience planning.
12% of European Households Affected by Pollution
New data from the EU shows 12.2% of European households reported pollution or other environmental problems in 2023 - down from 15% in 2019.
But challenges remain. The highest rates were reported in Malta (34%), Greece (20%), and Germany (16%). Urban households were much more likely to face issues than rural ones.
📊 You can explore the full dataset via EuroStat.
Further Evidence That Nature Exposure Supports Wellbeing
A new study published in People and Nature adds to the growing evidence that time in nature boosts wellbeing. Conducted in Finland, the research found that nature helped people connect with deeper values and their most authentic selves. It also strengthened connections with other people - and even with other species.
🌱 This is a good reminder: if you’re feeling stressed or disconnected this week, even a short walk in a local park can have real benefits.
Tip of the Week
Ignore the noise. Recent debates around net zero and sustainability can feel increasingly negative. Don’t let this hold you back.
✨ Instead, pick one small action to take this week - cut a bit of food waste, swap one car journey for a walk, or plant something pollinator-friendly. Small actions, multiplied, create big change.
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein
Latest on the Greener Insights site this week:
🌳 40 Amazing Facts About Forests
💼 Sustainability Careers: How to Find the Right Job For You
♻️ What is Environmental Sustainability: Key Aspects Explained
Thanks for reading Greener Insights. See you next week with more news, tips, and inspiration for a sustainable future.