Latest news and stories about sustainability in government in Lisboa, Portugal for expats and residents.
The Zero Association criticizes Lisbon's Noise Action Plan as ineffective and proposes a 5.7 euro noise tax per passenger to fund building insulation and mitigate aircraft noise impacts on over 370,000 residents.
The Government has received the first environmental report for the proposed new Lisbon airport, submitted by ANA – Airports of Portugal. The Ministry of Infrastructure said the next step is delivery of a technical report by 16 July, which will detail the project’s principal environmental impacts and justify the choice of location within the Campo de Tiro de Alcochete perimeter. The final environmental impact study is expected to be submitted to the Portuguese Environment Agency in the third quarter, marking a new phase in the planning and regulatory review of the airport project.
In today's world, sustainability is undeniably a priority for city governance. Developed cities are smart and sustainable, where water management and reuse are essential to reduce flood risks and improve water and energy efficiency. Cascais has been recognised at Venice Climate Week for its focus on prevention and collaboration with local institutions. Key initiatives include reducing water consumption in schools and the renaturalisation of the Sassoeiros stream, which mitigates flood risks while providing 14 hectares of public green space for residents. These efforts demonstrate that investing in sustainability creates smarter, more efficient cities designed for people.
The locality of Casais das Boiças, in the Azambuja municipality, is crossed by two high-voltage power lines and narrowly escaped a third one
The mayor of the German city of Tübingen turned takeaway waste into a political test of ecology, commerce, and the limits of local power. Boris Palmer came to Lisbon to share the experience.
Maria da Graça Carvalho, Minister of Environment, stated that restoring nature can create job opportunities, generate wealth and well-being, and support the fight against climate change.
The Minister of Environment promises a decree-law that will “protect the Iberian wolf even more,” in response to criticism regarding changes to the PEPAC.
Lisbon municipalities advocate for the creation of a public Metropolitan Waste Management System, with integrated governance to ensure greater efficiency.
Extreme heat will continue in Europe until 2030. The World Meteorological Organization report predicts record temperatures by the end of the decade.
Data is accounted for since the creation of the Integrated Command for Prevention and Operations (CIPO) in April.
Residents will have to choose between new housing 3km away or financial compensation. The 222 million euro project is once again stalled following a challenge from environmental associations.
The gathering at Campo Pequeno brought together dozens of people, concluding a week that included protest actions, a supermarket raid, and the painting of murals.
The Sintra municipal executive approved the municipality's accession to the natural park's co-management model, to be submitted jointly with the municipality of Cascais to the ICNF.
The proposal was approved unanimously. The municipality will chair the co-management commission for the first term, in coordination with Cascais and the ICNF. The Environmental Fund will provide up to 100,000 euros in funding until 2028.
According to the draft of the technical and financial collaboration protocol, the Environmental Fund will transfer up to 100,000 euros for activities to be developed within the scope of the co-management commission.
The 'Lisbon Manifesto for Sustainable Health' is presented this Wednesday. Aligned with the UN's 2030 Agenda, the document covers social, economic, and environmental dimensions.
Supporters of the climate justice collective paralysed traffic for 30 minutes this morning in Lisbon, demanding accountability for the devastation caused by the “train of storms”.
The Intermunicipal Community of the West (CIM OESTE) has been selected as the guest region for the upcoming 2026 edition of the Portugal Smart Cities Summit.
On International Firefighters' Day, Sintra Mayor Marco Almeida highlighted the municipality's 3.8 million euro investment in local fire services. The funding covers equipment, vehicle maintenance, and the creation of permanent intervention teams. Almeida also announced a new forest protection plan for the summer, involving the Portuguese Army and local scout groups, following monthly meetings with fire department leaders to address their operational needs.
Katarina Gardfeldt, Director-General of the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat, discusses the geopolitical importance of the Arctic, the need for new icebreaker infrastructure, and the interconnected nature of the triple planetary crisis: climate change, ecosystem shifts, and pollution.
The official presentation of the updated national energy strategy is scheduled to take place in Lisbon next week.
The meeting follows the Open Presidency in the central regions affected by storms and floods. Experts in the fields of energy, telecommunications, agriculture, forestry, wildfires, infrastructure, climate, and sustainability were present at the Belém Palace.
The strategic document places the financial sustainability of the country's largest public cultural centre among the priorities for the new cycle.
The Government has paid €3.3 million to 431 farmers affected by bad weather as part of a support scheme providing up to €10,000 for municipalities in a state of calamity, Minister of Agriculture José Manuel Fernandes announced on Wednesday, April 15, in Lisbon. The minister noted that priority was given to the most affected areas and urged farmers to submit applications for the restoration of productive potential before the April 30 deadline. While agricultural losses are estimated at around €500 million, the minister clarified that additional EU support is expected to be limited.
The Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, stated that while Portugal is not immune to global price fluctuations, it is well-protected against supply shortages due to its high reliance on renewable energy and diversified gas import sources. The minister noted that over 80% of Portugal's electricity is renewable, shielding it from gas-driven price volatility, and highlighted the country's robust port infrastructure for natural gas compared to other European nations. The government is currently awaiting a European Union decision regarding potential taxes on the extraordinary profits of energy companies.
A network of 72 European Climate Pact ambassadors brings together diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise. The national meeting includes the official launch of the book 'A World without Politicians' by Pedro Macedo.
Maria da Graça Carvalho stressed that these works “must move forward quickly” to ensure safety.
The second tunnel of Lisbon's General Drainage Plan (PGDL), connecting Chelas and Beato, is expected to be completed in 2029, Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas announced on Wednesday. The project, which aims to mitigate flooding in the capital, has faced multiple delays since its inception. While the first tunnel from Monsanto to Santa Apolónia is currently under construction, the overall plan includes various retention basins and infrastructure upgrades. Moedas highlighted the importance of the project for the city's future resilience and noted that the work is supported by European Union funding.
The PGDL, he stressed, is “an example” of cohesion policy, “fundamental to reducing disparities”.
