Publications

Exceedance of air quality limit values in urban areas (CSI 004) - Assessment published Nov 2012: Particulate Matter (PM 10 ) In the period 2001-2010, 18-41 % of the urban population in EU-27 was potentially exposed to ambient 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 to be exceeded more than 35 days a calendar year); (Figure 1). Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) In the period 2001-2010, 6-27 % of the urban population in EU-27 was potentially exposed to ambient 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 2001-2010, 15-61 % of the urban population in EU-27 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, averaged over three years and to be achieved where possible by 2010). 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 2001-2010, the fraction of the urban population in EU-27 that is potentially exposed to ambient 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).
Located in Data and maps › Indicators › Exceedance of air quality limit values in urban areas
Percentage of urban population resident in areas where pollutant concentrations are higher than selected limit/target values, 2001-2010 (EU-27): The rationale for selection of pollutant and corresponding limit/target values for CSI 004 is given in the justification for indicator selection. Only urban and sub-urban background monitoring stations have been included in the calculations. Data for Cyprus, Luxembourg and Malta, are not included due to the geographical coverage of the Urban Audit.
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs
Exceedance of air quality limit values in urban areas (CSI 004) - Assessment published May 2012: Particulate Matter (PM 10 ) In the period 1997-2009, 18-49 % of the urban population in EU-27 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 to be exceeded more than 35 days a calendar year and to be met by 2005). There was no discernible trend over the period (Figure 1). Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) In the period 1997-2009, 6-41 % of the urban population in EU-27 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 and to be met by 2010). There was a slight downwards trend over the period (Figure 1). Ozone (O 3 ) In the period 1997-2009, 13-61 % of the urban population in EU-27 was potentially 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, averaged over three years and to be achieved where possible by 2010). The 61 % of the urban population exposed to ambient ozone concentrations over the EU target value was recorded in 2003. There was no discernible trend over the period (Figure 1). Sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) In the period 1997-2009, the fraction of the urban population in EU-27 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 and to be met by 2005), decreased to less than 1 %, and as such the EU limit value is close to being met everywhere in the urban background (Figure 1).
Located in Data and maps › Indicators › Exceedance of air quality limit values in urban areas
Turning the urban challenge into an opportunity: Copenhagen, 2 July 2011. Up to 150 mm of rainfall in two hours – a city record since measurements began in the mid-1800s. Homes destroyed. Citizens and emergency services struggled to cope. This is one example of how excessive extreme weather events can affect a European capital – events that are expected more often under climate change.
Located in Articles
Living in an urban world: An increasingly urban world will probably mean spiralling consumption and greater affluence for many. But it also means greater poverty for the urban underprivileged. Poor urban living conditions and associated environmental and health risks could impact all areas of the world, including Europe.
Located in The European environment – state and outlook 2010 › … › SOER 2010 — assessment of global megatrends › Key facts
Europe's forests at a glance — a breath of fresh air in a changing climate: Forests do not only provide us food, fibre and medicine, they regulate our climate and improve our quality of life. Human activities and climate change exert increasing pressure on our forest resources and the services they provide. With increasing demand on forests services on the one side, and uncertainty and risks linked to climate change on the other, we need to ensure that forests can continue fulfilling their multifunctional role.
Located in Publications
Percentage of urban population resident in areas where pollutant concentrations are higher than selected limit/target values, 1997-2009 (EU-27): The rationale for selection of pollutant and corresponding limit/target values for CSI 004 is given in the justification for indicator selection. Only urban and sub-urban background monitoring stations have been included in the calculations. Data for Cyprus, Luxembourg and Malta, are not included due to the geographical coverage of the Urban Audit.
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs
Estimated years of life lost (YOLL) in reference year 2005 attributable to long-term PM2.5 exposure: Health impact caused by expsore to PM2.5
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs
Percentage of green urban areas in core cities: This map shows the percentage of green urban areas in core cities
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs
Key message 5 — SOER synthesis: Environment, health and quality of life — Water and air pollution have declined but not enough to achieve good ecological quality in all water bodies or to ensure good air quality in all urban areas. Widespread exposure to multiple pollutants and chemicals and concerns about long-term damage to human health together imply the need for more large-scale pollution prevention programmes and the use of precautionary approaches.
Located in The European environment – state and outlook 2010 › … › The European environment – state and outlook 2010: Synthesis › Key messages