European Environment Agency's home page

Air pollutant emissions — EEA datasets: A description of the different air pollutant emissions datasets compiled and maintained by EEA
Located in Environmental topics › Air pollution
Assessing biodiversity in Europe — the 2010 report: The present report considers the status and trends of pan-European biodiversity, and the implications of these trends for biodiversity management policy and practice. It considers the key biodiversity policy instruments currently applied in Europe, the threats to biodiversity and their management implications across major habitat types. The implications for biodiversity of cross-cutting issues such as tourism and urban planning are also considered, along with the challenges that remain for conserving and sustainably using of Europe's biodiversity. The report makes use of the SEBI 2010 indicators and other relevant national and regional information sources. It does not consider the biodiversity of EU overseas territories and outermost regions.
Located in Publications
Cumulative specific net mass balance of European glaciers: The figure shows the cumulative specific net mass balance (mm water equivalent) of European glaciers 1946–2010.
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs
Direct losses from weather disasters (CLIM 039) - Assessment published Sep 2008: About 90 % of all natural disasters in Europe that have occurred since 1980 are directly or indirectly attributable to weather and climate. About 95 % of economic losses caused by catastrophic events have resulted from these weather and climate-related disasters. The average number of annual disastrous weather and climate-related events in Europe increased by about 65 % over 1998-2007 compared with the annual average for the 1980s, while non-weather events (e.g. earthquakes) remained stable. An unknown share of this increase can be attributed to climate change, the rest to changes in the sensitivity of human/societal systems. Overall losses resulting from weather- and climate-related events have increased clearly during the past 25 years. Even though social change and economic development are the main factors responsible for this increase, there is evidence that changing patterns of weather disasters are also drivers. However, it is still not possible to determine the proportion of the increase in damages that might be attributed to anthropogenic climate change. While in the immediate future disaster losses are projected to increase mainly as a result of societal change and economic development, the most severe effects of anthropogenic climate change on economic assets are expected in the second half of the century.
Located in Data and maps › Indicators › Direct losses from weather disasters
European Union partners: Our information is designed to help policy-makers in various areas to make environmentally sound and consistent policies and decisions. To achieve this, the EEA works closely with EU institutions, i.e. the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers. The EEA also cooperates with EU advisory bodies, i.e. the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee, and other European agencies.
Located in About EEA
Glaciers (CLIM 007) - Assessment published Nov 2012: The vast majority of glaciers in the European glacial regions are in retreat. Glaciers in the European Alps have lost approximately two thirds of their volume since 1850, with clear acceleration since the 1980s. Glacier retreat is expected to continue in the future. The volume of European glaciers has been estimated to decline between 22 and 66 % compared to the current situation by 2100 under a business-as-usual emission scenario. Glacier retreat contributes to sea-level rise and it affects freshwater supply and run off regimes, river navigation, irrigation and power generation. It may also cause natural hazards and damage to infrastructure.
Located in Data and maps › Indicators › Glaciers
Land in Europe: prices, taxes and use patterns: Developments in land‑use patterns across Europe are generating considerable concern, particularly in relation to achievement of environmental goals. Land‑use trends — such as urban sprawl and land abandonment — are jeopardising the future for sustainable land use. Moreover, these trends endanger the achievement of European environmental goals in areas such as biodiversity protection and water management and also hinder the effectiveness of instruments in these areas, including the Natura 2000 network and the Water Framework Directive.
Located in Publications
Natural disasters in Europe 1980-2007: The figure shows the natural disasters in Europe 1980 - 2007
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs
Natural disasters in Europe during 1980-2007: Most of the casualties were elderly people who died in the 2003 summer heat wave (surmortality).
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs
Precipitation extremes (CLIM 004) - Assessment published Nov 2012: There are no widespread significant trends in either the number of consecutive dry or wet days across Europe. Heavy precipitation events are likely to become more frequent in most parts of Europe. The changes are strongest in Scandinavia in winter and in northern and eastern central Europe in summer.
Located in Data and maps › Indicators › Precipitation extremes