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Exceedance of air quality limit values in urban areas (version 1) (CSI 004) - Assessment published Nov 2006
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Particulate Matter (PM 10 ) In the period 1997-2004, 23-45% of the urban population was potentially exposed to ambient air concentrations of particulate matter (PM 10 ) in excess of the EU limit value set for the protection of human health (50 m g/m 3 daily mean not be exceeded more than 35 days a calendar year). There was no discernible trend over the period (Figure 1). Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) In the period 1996-2004, 22-45% of the urban population was potentially exposed to ambient air nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) concentrations above the EU limit value set for the protection of human health (40 m g NO 2 /m 3 annual mean). There was a slight downwards trend over the period (Figure 1). Ozone (O 3 ) In the period 1996-2004, 13-60% of the urban population in Europe was exposed to ambient ozone concentrations exceeding the EU target value set for the protection of human health (120 m g O 3 /m 3 daily maximum 8-hourly average, not to be exceeded more than 25 times a calendar year). The 60% of the urban population exposed to ambient ozone concentrations over the EU target value was recorded in 2003, which was the record year. There was no discernible trend over the period (Figure 1). Sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) In the period 1996-2004, the fraction of the urban population in EEA-32 member countries that is potentially exposed to ambient air concentrations of sulphur dioxide in excess of the EU limit value set for the protection of human health (125 m g SO 2 /m 3 daily mean not to be exceeded more than three days a year), decreased to less than 1%, and as such the EU limit value set is close to being met (Figure 1).
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Exceedance of air quality limit values in urban areas (version 1)
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Exceedance of air quality limit values in urban areas (version 1) (CSI 004) - Assessment published Apr 2008
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Particulate Matter (PM 10 ) In the period 1997-2005, 16-45% of the urban population was potentially exposed to ambient air concentrations of particulate matter (PM 10 ) in excess of the EU limit value set for the protection of human health (50 m g/m 3 daily mean not be exceeded more than 35 days a calendar year). There was no discernible trend over the period (Figure 1). Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) In the period 1996-2005, 21-47% of the urban population was potentially exposed to ambient air nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) concentrations above the EU limit value set for the protection of human health (40 m g NO 2 /m 3 annual mean). There was a slight downwards trend over the period (Figure 1). Ozone (O 3 ) In the period 1996-2005, 13-60% of the urban population in Europe was exposed to ambient ozone concentrations exceeding the EU target value set for the protection of human health (120 m g O 3 /m 3 daily maximum 8-hourly average, not to be exceeded more than 25 times a calendar year). The 60% of the urban population exposed to ambient ozone concentrations over the EU target value was recorded in 2003, which was the record year. There was no discernible trend over the period (Figure 1). Sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) In the period 1996-2005, the fraction of the urban population in EEA-32 member countries that is potentially exposed to ambient air concentrations of sulphur dioxide in excess of the EU limit value set for the protection of human health (125 m g SO 2 /m 3 daily mean not to be exceeded more than three days a year), decreased to less than 1%, and as such the EU limit value set is close to being met everywhere (Figure 1).
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Exceedance of air quality limit values in urban areas (version 1)
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Exceedance of air quality limit values in urban areas (CSI 004) - Assessment published Dec 2008
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Particulate Matter (PM 10 ) In the period 1997-2006, 18-50% of the urban population was potentially exposed to ambient air concentrations of particulate matter (PM 10 ) in excess of the EU limit value set for the protection of human health (50 microgram /m 3 daily mean not be exceeded more than 35 days a calendar year). There was no discernible trend over the period (Figure 1). Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) In the period 1997-2006, 18-42% of the urban population was potentially exposed to ambient air nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) concentrations above the EU limit value set for the protection of human health (40 microgram NO 2 /m 3 annual mean). There was a slight downwards trend over the period (Figure 1). Ozone (O 3 ) In the period 1997-2006, 14-61% of the urban population in Europe was exposed to ambient ozone concentrations exceeding the EU target value set for the protection of human health (120 microgram O 3 /m 3 daily maximum 8-hourly average, not to be exceeded more than 25 times a calendar year). The 61% of the urban population exposed to ambient ozone concentrations over the EU target value was recorded in 2003, which was the record year. There was no discernible trend over the period (Figure 1). Sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) In the period 1997-2006, the fraction of the urban population in EEA-32 member countries that is potentially exposed to ambient air concentrations of sulphur dioxide in excess of the EU limit value set for the protection of human health (125 microgram SO 2 /m 3 daily mean not to be exceeded more than three days a year), decreased to less than 1%, and as such the EU limit value set is close to being met everywhere (Figure 1).
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Exceedance of air quality limit values in urban areas
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Exceedance of air quality limit values in urban areas (CSI 004) - Assessment published Dec 2009
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Particulate Matter (PM 10 ) In the period 1997-2007, 20-50 % of the urban population was potentially exposed to ambient air concentrations of particulate matter (PM 10 ) in excess of the EU limit value set for the protection of human health (50 microgram /m 3 daily mean not be exceeded more than 35 days a calendar year). There was no discernible trend over the period (Figure 1). Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) In the period 1997-2007, 13-41 % of the urban population was potentially exposed to ambient air nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) concentrations above the EU limit value set for the protection of human health (40 microgram NO 2 /m 3 annual mean). There was a slight downwards trend over the period (Figure 1). Ozone (O 3 ) In the period 1997-2007, 14-62 % of the urban population in Europe was exposed to ambient ozone concentrations exceeding the EU target value set for the protection of human health (120 microgram O 3 /m 3 daily maximum 8-hourly average, not to be exceeded more than 25 times a calendar year by 2010). The 62 % of the urban population exposed to ambient ozone concentrations over the EU target value was recorded in 2003, which was the record year. There was no discernible trend over the period (Figure 1). Sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) In the period 1997-2007, the fraction of the urban population in EEA-32 member countries that is potentially exposed to ambient air concentrations of sulphur dioxide in excess of the EU limit value set for the protection of human health (125 microgram SO 2 /m 3 daily mean not to be exceeded more than three days a year), decreased to less than 1%, and as such the EU limit value set is close to being met everywhere in the urban background (Figure 1).
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Exceedance of air quality limit values in urban areas
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Exceedance of air quality limit values in urban areas (CSI 004) - Assessment published Aug 2010
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Particulate Matter (PM 10 ) In the period 1997-2008, 18-50 % of the urban population was potentially exposed to ambient air concentrations of particulate matter (PM 10 ) in excess of the EU limit value set for the protection of human health (50 microgram /m 3 daily mean not be exceeded more than 35 days a calendar year); (Figure 1). Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) In the period 1997-2008, 6-41 % of the urban population was potentially exposed to ambient air nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) concentrations above the EU limit value set for the protection of human health (40 microgram NO 2 /m 3 annual mean). There was a slight downwards trend over the period (Figure 1). Ozone (O 3 ) In the period 1997-2008, 13-62 % of the urban population in Europe was exposed to ambient ozone concentrations exceeding the EU target value set for the protection of human health (120 microgram O 3 /m 3 daily maximum 8-hourly average, not to be exceeded more than 25 times a calendar year by 2010). The 62 % of the urban population exposed to ambient ozone concentrations over the EU target value was recorded in 2003, which was the record year. There was no discernible trend over the period (Figure 1). Sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) In the period 1997-2008, the fraction of the urban population in EEA-32 member countries that is potentially exposed to ambient air concentrations of sulphur dioxide in excess of the EU limit value set for the protection of human health (125 microgram SO 2 /m 3 daily mean not to be exceeded more than three days a year), decreased to less than 1 %, and as such the EU limit value set is close to being met everywhere in the urban background (Figure 1).
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Exceedance of air quality limit values in urban areas
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Exposure of ecosystems to acidification, eutrophication and ozone (version 1) (CSI 005) - Assessment published Nov 2005
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Eutrophication has fallen slightly since 1980. However, only limited further improvement is expected by 2010 with current plans. There have been clear reductions in acidification of Europe's environment since 1980, but with some tailing off in that improvement after 2000. Most agricultural crops are exposed to ozone levels exceeding the EU long term objective and a significant fraction is exposed to levels above the target value. AOT40 values showed an increasing tendency over the last years.
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Exposure of ecosystems to acidification, eutrophication and ozone (version 1)
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Exposure of ecosystems to acidification, eutrophication and ozone (CSI 005) - Assessment published Dec 2009
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Eutrophication The magnitude of the risk of ecosystem eutrophication and its geographical coverage has diminished only slightly over the years. The predictions for 2010 and 2020 indicate that the risk is still widespread over Europe. This is in conflict with the EU's long-term objective of not exceeding critical loads of airborne acidifying and eutrophying substances in sensitive ecosystem areas (National Emission Ceilings Directive, 6th Environmental Action Programme, Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution). Acidification The situation has considerably improved and it is predicted to improve further. The interim environmental objective for 2010 (National Emission Ceilings Directive) will most likely not be met completely. However, the European ecosystem areas where the critical load will be exceeded is predicted to have declined by more than 80 % in 2010 with 1990 as a base year. By 2020, it is expected that the risk of ecosystem acidification will only be an issue at some hot spots, in particular at the border area between the Netherlands and Germany. Ozone (O 3 ) Most vegetation and agricultural crops are exposed to ozone levels exceeding the long term objective given in the EU Air Quality Directive. A significant fraction is also exposed to levels above the 2010 target value defined in the Directive. The effect-related accumulated concentrations, addressing exposure of crops to ozone over several summer months, tend to increase.
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Exposure of ecosystems to acidification, eutrophication and ozone
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Exposure of ecosystems to acidification, eutrophication and ozone (CSI 005) - Assessment published Aug 2010
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Eutrophication The magnitude of the risk of ecosystem eutrophication and its geographical coverage has diminished only slightly over the years. The predictions for 2010 and 2020 indicate that the risk is still widespread over Europe. This is in conflict with the EU's long-term objective of not exceeding critical loads of airborne acidifying and eutrophying substances in sensitive ecosystem areas (National Emission Ceilings Directive, 6th Environmental Action Programme, Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution).
Acidification The situation has considerably improved and it is predicted to improve further. The interim environmental objective for 2010 (National Emission Ceilings Directive) will most likely not be met completely. However, the European ecosystem areas where the critical load will be exceeded is predicted to have declined by more than 80 % in 2010 with 1990 as a base year. By 2020, it is expected that the risk of ecosystem acidification will only be an issue at some hot spots, in particular at the border area between the Netherlands and Germany. Ozone (O 3 )
Most vegetation and agricultural crops are exposed to ozone levels exceeding the long term objective given in the EU Air Quality Directive. A significant fraction is also exposed to levels above the 2010 target value defined in the Directive. Concentrations in 2007 were lower than in 2006. The effect-related accumulated concentrations, addressing exposure of crops to ozone over several summer months, shows large year-to-year variations, there is a non-significance tendency to increase.
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Exposure of ecosystems to acidification, eutrophication and ozone
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Progress to greenhouse gas emission targets (CSI 011) - Assessment published Feb 2007
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EU-25 With existing policies and measures, EU-25 greenhouse gas emissions are projected to be approximately 2 % below 1990 level by 2010. With additional policies and measures greenhouse gas emissions are projected to be approximately 5 % below 1990 level (and slightly below 2004 level). EU-15 Latest projections for 2010 show that the combined effect of existing and additional domestic policies and measures, Kyoto mechanisms [1] and 'carbon sinks' [2] would bring emissions down to 8.0 % below the EU-15 base year level. This corresponds exactly to the reduction required under the Kyoto Protocol. With existing domestic [3] policies and measures, total EU-15 greenhouse gas emissions will only be 0.6 % below base-year levels in 2010 [4] . Taking into account additional domestic policies and measures being planned by Member States, a total EU-15 emissions reduction of 4.6 % is projected. This relies on the assumption that several Member States will cut emissions by more than is required to meet their national targets. The projected use of Kyoto mechanisms by ten Member States [5] will reduce emissions by 2010 by a further 2.6 %. Finally, the use of carbon sinks according to Articles 3.3 and 3.4 of the Kyoto Protocol would contribute an additional 0.8 % (Figures 1 and 2). New Member States Seven new Member States project that they will meet or even over-achieve their Kyoto targets by 2010 with existing domestic policies and measures. However, in most countries emissions will increase between 2004 and 2010. Slovenia projects that it will meet its Kyoto target with additional policies and measures, and CO 2 removals from land-use change and forestry (Figure 3). Cyprus and Malta do not have a target under the Kyoto Protocol. Other EEA member countries EU acceding countries and Iceland were on track to meet or even over-achieve their Kyoto targets. In 2004, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein will with existing measures fall short of their target. Turkey and Croatia have ratified the United Nations framework convention on climate change (UNFCCC), but not the Kyoto Protocol. [1] Joint implementation, clean development mechanism and emissions trading according to the Kyoto Protocol, Art. 6, Art. 12, and Art. 17. These mechanisms allow industrialised countries with emissions limitation and reduction commitments to invest in emissions-savings projects in other countries and use the resulting emission credits to help meet their Kyoto targets. [2] According to Articles 3.3 and 3.4 of the Kyoto Protocol, Parties can make use of CO 2 removals by land use change and forestry activities, i.e. carbon sinks, to achieve their targets. [3] Domestic policies and measures are those taking place within the national boundaries. Existing policies and measures are those for which one or more of the following applies: (a) national legislation is in force; (b) one or more voluntary agreements have been established; (c) financial resources have been allocated; (d) human resources have been mobilised; (e) an official government decision has been made and there is a clear commitment to proceed with implementation. Additional (planned) policies and measures are options under discussion with a realistic chance of being adopted and implemented in time to influence the emissions during the commitment period. [4] Without existing policies and measures, total EU-15 greenhouse gas emissions would have been higher than the base-year level. The total effect of the existing policies and measures compared to a theoretical reference scenario without any measures since 1990 would be greater than the 0.6 % reduction referred to here. [5] Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.
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Progress to greenhouse gas emission targets
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Progress to greenhouse gas emission targets (CSI 011) - Assessment published Feb 2008
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Projections for 2010 indicate that the EU-15 will meet its Kyoto target if Member States implement existing and additional measures fully and quickly, and make use of carbon sinks and Kyoto mechanisms. If all the projected reductions were achieved, the EU-15 could reach a level of emissions 11.4 % lower than base-year emissions, therefore overachieving its -8 % Kyoto target by 3.4 percentage points. The EU-27 does not have a Kyoto target. Twelve EU-15 Member States project they will achieve their individual targets. All ten new Member States with a target expect to meet their target (Cyprus and Malta do not have a Kyoto target). Croatia, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland project that they will meet their targets. Turkey has not ratified the Kyoto Protocol and thus has no Kyoto target.
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Progress to greenhouse gas emission targets
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