Spotlight on Environment

The last three decades have seen environmental considerations move centre stage in many aspects of our economic and social lives. A look at the level of EU environment-related policy and legislative initiatives alone is sufficient to understand the ever-growing importance of the environmental dimension to our lives.

And global warming is the single biggest challenge humankind faces, with huge consequences for how we organize our economies and societies. Globally, over the past century, the average temperature of the atmosphere near the earth’s surface has risen by 0.74 degrees Celsius. The scientific consensus is that global temperatures could rise by between 1.1 and 6.4 degrees Celsius above 1980 - 1999 levels by the end of the 21st century, depending on the levels of future greenhouse gas emissions. This will have huge consequences on our economies and societies.

Examples of our work and experience
New Frontier Services has undertaken numerous consulting engagements with an environment and or climate change dimension. Below we describe some of our recent or ongoing work.

Looking at Climate Change Impact on the Forest-Based Industries
NFS staff were appointed to lead an evaluation of the impact of EU Policy on the Forest-based industries cluster, including a review of emerging trends in key areas such as in Globalisation and Sustainable Development & Environment (including Climate Change) . This was the first ever evaluation of the impact of an EC Policy Communication

One of the many Challenges of Climate Change - how Global Warming will impact on Africa’s Energy Security and wider development needs…
As part of a wider study for European Commission on Africa’s Energy Security, where NFS is providing one of the core team, we are looking at how climate change will likely impact on Africa’s Energy Security and its development needs. This work is part of a forward looking analysis and strategy on Africa's energy security, and to identify areas where Africa and Europe can work together to improve Africa's energy security. The study is intended to serve as a tool for the Commission and its partners in the further implementation of the Africa-EU Energy Partnership. NFS is providing one member of the core study team, which is being undertaken in association with IBF consulting.

Structural Funds and Environmental Impact - Managing the Ex-Ante Environmental Assessment of Bulgaria’s Competitiveness OP
A New Frontier Services staff member was appointed to lead the first Structural Funds ex-ante evaluation of the 2007-2013 programming period. This ex-ante evaluation of the Bulgarian Competitiveness OP included management of the environmental impact assessment of the of the Operational Programme.