Signals — every breath we take

10 messages for 2010 – Cultural landscapes and biodiversity heritage: Key messages: 1) Diverse climatic conditions, varied geology and morphology and centuries of pre- and post-industrial land use created Europe's diverse mosaic of cultural and natural landscapes, rich in biodiversity. 2) Europe's landscapes have become highly fragmented and homogenised, threatening their biodiversity and affecting their multifunctional role. 3) By managing its multifunctional culture-historical landscapes and related biodiversity sustainably, Europe can secure valuable ecosystems services while preserving its cultural and natural heritage. 4) Various legal instruments and initiatives address European biodiversity heritage at the landscape level. Incorporating these into regional and local planning and involving local communities is necessary to secure Europe's biodiversity heritage and maintain multifunctional landscapes.
Located in Publications
10 messages for 2010 — freshwater ecosystems: Freshwater ecosystems in Europe are rich in biodiversity but at risk. They provide essential ecosystem services to humans, such as cleaning water, preventing floods, producing food, providing energy and regulating freshwater resources...
Located in Publications
A day in my forest: Environmental Atlas of Europe — Poland: Silent except for the humming of bees and the distant hammering of woodpeckers, Białowieża Forest is a fairytale landscape of tall trees, peat bogs and meadows – home to innumerable species of birds, invertebrates, lichens, fungi and other flora and fauna including grey wolves, lynx, elk and a large herd of rare European bison.
Located in The Environmental Atlas › … › A day in my forest › Video
A tapestry of life — Biodiversity: our life support 'eco-system': Located in Signals — every breath we take › Signals 2010
A walk in the woods on May 22 - International Biodiversity Day: Forests are some of the most important ecosystems in Europe, and are home to many thousands of species. Although the amount of forest cover is stable across Europe, it is declining worldwide, and the rich variety of life on Earth is also following this downward trend. On 22 May, International Biodiversity Day, the European Environment Agency invites you to explore and enjoy biodiversity in Europe’s forests.
Located in News
Air pollution — SOER 2010 thematic assessment: Emissions of air pollutants derive from almost all economic and societal activities. They result in clear risks to human health and ecosystems. In Europe, policies and actions at all levels have greatly reduced anthropogenic emissions and exposure but some air pollutants still harm human health. Similarly, as emissions of acidifying pollutants have reduced, the situation for Europe's rivers and lakes has improved but atmospheric nitrogen oversupply still threatens biodiversity in sensitive terrestrial and water ecosystems. The movement of atmospheric pollution between continents attracts increasing political attention. Greater international cooperation, also focusing on links between climate and air pollution policies, is required more than ever to address air pollution.
Located in The European environment – state and outlook 2010 › Thematic assessments
Air quality and ancillary benefits of climate change policies: The Thematic Strategy on air pollution aims to improve European air pollution significantly by 2020. This report from the European Environment Agency looks a further ten years into the future, and brings together two major policy challenges — combating climate change and reducing air pollution — in an integrated way. Thus, the report analyses projected changes in European air quality up to 2030, and explores the possible benefits of climate policies on air quality and the costs of air pollution abatement.
Located in Publications
Alps — The impacts of climate change in Europe today: Located in Signals — every breath we take › Signals 2010
Analysis of coastal areas by dominant landscape types: Figure left: Sprawl of artificial areas 1990-2000 on Europen coasts, by dominant land cover types, km2 Figure right: Conversion from other land cover to agriculture 1990-2000 on Europen coasts, by dominant land cover types, km2
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs
Application of the CORILIS methodology to CLC data for forests in Ireland using a 10 km smoothing radius over the 1 km x 1 km accounting grid: Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs