The Environmental Atlas

Repairing our ozone layer: In 1987, delegates from around the world signed the Montreal Protocol designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of a number of substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion. This recent video illustrates the results of the Protocol, which is considered to be one of the most successful international environmental agreements.
Located in Environmental topics › Air pollution › Multimedia
The fourth assessment: Presentation of the report at the Belgrade conference: Subtitled movie of the speech hold by Executive Director of the EEA Jacqueline McGlade during the presentation of the 4th pan-European assessment at the UNECE 6th Мinisterial Conference "Environment for Europe", in Belgrade, 10th of October 2007.
Located in Environmental topics › … › Archive: the Belgrade ministerial conference › Videos and interviews
Heat and health (CLIM 036) - Assessment published Sep 2008: Increasing temperatures are likely to increase the number of heat-related deaths. Mortality risk increases by between 0.2 and 5.5 % for every 1 o C increase in temperature above a location-specific threshold. Heat-wave events can have detrimental effects on human health. More than 70 000 excess deaths were reported from 12 European countries in the hot summer of 2003 (June to September). Long heat waves (more than 5 days) have an impact 1.5 to 5 times greater than shorter events. 86 000 net extra deaths per year are projected for the EU Member States for a high-emissions scenario with a global mean temperature increase of 3 o C in 2071-2100 relative to 1961-1990.
Located in Data and maps › Indicators › Heat and health
Vector-borne diseases (CLIM 037) - Assessment published Sep 2008: The tiger mosquito, a transmitter of a number of viruses, has extended its range in Europe substantially over the past 15 years and is projected to extend even further. There is a risk of additional outbreaks of Chikungunya and a potential for localised dengue to re-appear. Ticks and the associated Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis are moving into higher altitudes and latitudes. Changes in the geographical distribution of the sandfly vector are occurring in several European countries (high confidence) and there is a risk of human Leishmania cases further north. Projected temperature increases in the United Kingdom could increase the risk of local malaria transmission by 8 to 15 %; in Portugal a significant increase in the number of days suitable for the survival of malaria vectors is projected. However, the risk of localised malaria transmission is low.
Located in Data and maps › Indicators › Vector-borne diseases
Water and food-borne diseases (CLIM 038) - Assessment published Sep 2008: There has been a linear increase in reported cases of some food-borne diseases for each degree increase in weekly or monthly temperature over a certain location-specific threshold (medium confidence). Several thousand cases of salmonella are expected in future years, particularly in countries where food safety standards are poor. Changing frequency and intensity of precipitation events (and temperature) from climate change may result in outbreaks of water-borne diseases (high confidence) and could mobilise pathogens. In the Mediterranean additional salmonella problems from bathing water quality are projected, which would require proper monitoring and surveillance.
Located in Data and maps › Indicators › Water and food-borne diseases
Clean air for Europe: Air pollution is a growing concern in the area of public health. Scientific research shows that air pollutants are behind a higher number of diseases such as respiratory allergies, asthma and inflammatory conditions. It is the most vulnerable segments of populations, the elderly and children, who are the first to be affected by this phenomenon. In May 2001, the European Commission launched its " Clean Air for Europe " (CAFE) programme. This is a three-year programme intended to investigate all sources of air pollution and provide solutions to reduce them.
Located in Environmental topics › Air pollution › Multimedia
Giving Europe more breathing space: Air pollution has been one of Europe’s main concerns since the late 1970s. Over the last few decades, the rapid growth in industry and increased reliance on cars and public transport has contributed to a rapid decline in air quality, from smog and acid rain to asthma and other respiratory diseases.
Located in Environmental topics › Air pollution › Multimedia
Ozone 2010 - 8 hour mean target value for the protection of human health: In the air quality directive (2008/EC/50), the EU has set a target value and a long term objective value for ozone (O3) for the protection of human health. Target value: the maximum daily eight-hour mean may not exceed 120 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3) on more than 25 days per calendar year averaged over three years. Long term objective value: the maximum daily eight-hour mean may not exceed 120 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3) within a calendar year.
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs
Environment and our health: Located in Environmental topics › Environment and health › Multimedia
Forests, health and climate change: Urban green spaces, forests for cooler cities and healthier people
Located in Publications