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Industrial air pollution cost Europe up to €169 billion in 2009, EEA reveals — Nov 24, 2011: Air pollution from the 10,000 largest polluting facilities in Europe cost citizens between € 102 and 169 billion in 2009. This was one of the findings of a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA) which analysed the costs of harm to health and the environment caused by air pollution. Half of the total damage cost (between € 51 and 85 billion) was caused by just 191 facilities.
Carbon capture and storage could also impact air pollution — Nov 17, 2011: Carbon capture and storage (CCS) involves capturing carbon dioxide released by power stations and other industrial sources, and burying it deep underground. But in addition to keeping an important greenhouse gas (GHG) out of the atmosphere, this technology will lead to benefits and trade-offs for air pollution. A new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA) describes the effects that CCS may have on emissions of some key air pollutants.
European transport sector must be ambitious to meet targets — Nov 10, 2011: Emissions of many pollutants from transport fell in 2009. But this reduction may only be a temporary effect of the economic downturn, according to the latest annual report on transport emissions from the European Environment Agency (EEA). The Transport and Environment Reporting Mechanism (TERM) explores the environmental impact of transport. For the first time, the report considers a comprehensive set of quantitative targets proposed by the European Commission’s 2011 roadmap on transport.
Ozone and particulates most serious air quality problems in Europe — Nov 09, 2011: Air quality in Europe has improved between 1990 and 2009, as emissions of most pollutants have fallen, according to a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA). But there is still a lot of room for improvement, as many EU countries are expected to exceed the emissions ceilings in 2010 for at least one pollutant. In addition, concentration levels of ground-level ozone and particulate matter have remained stable over recent years despite efforts to improve air quality.
Using models for air quality assessment and planning: a guide — Sep 26, 2011: Computer models are increasingly used for estimating air quality or forecasting changes in pollution levels. Various different models are currently used across Europe. The new FAIRMODE reference guide aims to make these models comparable, well documented and validated in order to achieve reliable results.
Recession contributes to air pollutant emissions decrease in 2009 — Jul 27, 2011: Emissions of almost all main air pollutants fell across the EU-27 in 2009, according to the latest annual European Union air pollutant emission inventory report compiled by the European Environment Agency (EEA). Some pollutants decreased significantly compared to the previous year, with analysis showing economic recession to be an important factor in this reduction. The drop was most evident for sulphur oxides (SOx), with emissions falling by 21 % between 2008 and 2009.
More efforts required to reduce ozone pollution in Europe — Jun 06, 2011: Ground-level ozone is one of the most harmful air pollutants in Europe today. A new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) shows that despite efforts to reduce ozone pollution, in 2010 levels continued to exceed the long-term objective established in EU legislation to protect human health. EU Member States will also face difficulties in meeting the target value, applicable as of 2010.
EU to exceed nitrogen oxides emission ceiling, mostly due to road transport — Jun 01, 2011: The EU-27 and its Member States must meet legally binding limits for four air pollutants set by the National Emission Ceilings Directive (NEC Directive) to protect human health and the environment. The annual status report released today by the European Environment Agency (EEA) shows that while EU-27 emissions for three air pollutants are projected to meet the ceilings, nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions for the EU-27 as a whole will exceed its ceiling by 17 %. Ten Member States expect to miss their respective NOx ceilings.
New maps give Europeans close-up picture of air pollution from diffuse sources — May 26, 2011: New online maps published today by the European Commission and the European Environment Agency, in close cooperation with the Institute for Environment and Sustainability (IES) of the Joint Research Centre, allow citizens to pinpoint the main diffuse sources of air pollution, such as transport and aviation. The new set of 32 maps shows where certain pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter are released. It complements existing data on emissions from individual industrial plants from the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR). The Europe-wide register aims to help Europeans actively engage in decisions affecting the environment.
Nuclear accident in Japan: where to get up-to-date information — Apr 15, 2011: Following the massive earthquake and tsunami of 11 March 2011, a number of explosions and fires took place at the reactor buildings of Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. Japan declared a state of alert and reported leaks of radioactive material. Given the magnitude and the global dimension of the disaster, Japanese authorities and the international community are following the situation very closely. A series of sources provide the public with up-to-date information on the accident's possible impacts on Europe's environment as well as radiation measurements across Europe.
Has policy improved Europe's air quality? — Jan 05, 2011: In recent decades, the EU has introduced a range of policies to improve air quality by controlling pollutant emissions. A new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) evaluates three key instruments and finds that they have significantly improved Europe's air quality and reduced pollution-induced health effects. There is scope for even more progress, however, if countries achieve all their binding commitments to reduce emissions.
Air pollutant emissions to exceed limits — Sep 24, 2010: In 2010, around half of the European Union's Member States expect to surpass one or more of the legal limits set by the National Emission Ceilings Directive (NEC Directive). The annual status report released today by the European Environment Agency (EEA) confirms that 11 countries anticipate an exceedance of their ceilings for NOx — some by more than 40 %.
Emissions of sulphur oxides and ozone-forming pollutants fall significantly — Jul 12, 2010: The European Union air pollutant emission inventory report compiled by the European Environment Agency (EEA) shows that the EU-27 has cut sulphur oxides (SOx) emissions by 78 % since 1990. The decline was particularly sharp during the latest reporting year, falling 20 % in 2008 compared to 2007. The emissions of three ozone precursors — CO, NMVOCs and NOx — also continued the downward trend.
Europe to exceed air pollutant emission limits – NOx in particular — May 04, 2010: In 2010, around half of the European Union's Member States expect to miss one or more of the legal limits set by the National Emission Ceilings Directive. According to recent data compiled by the European Environment Agency (EEA), 11 countries expect to exceed their ceilings by significant amounts — some missing NOx targets by more than 40 %.
Volcanic ash is having little impact on Europe's air quality — Apr 23, 2010: The European Environment Agency (EEA) is closely following the impacts of recent volcanic eruptions in Iceland, in particular assessing changes in ground-level air pollution. According to preliminary monitoring data, ground-level air quality across Europe has not deteriorated significantly as a result of the volcanic activity.
Summer ozone: record low concentrations in 2009 — Mar 03, 2010: Ozone levels in Europe during summer 2009 were among the lowest since comprehensive data reporting started in 1997.
EEA set to improve data flows for GMES — Feb 12, 2010: The European Environment Agency (EEA) has started coordinating data flows from ground, sea and air observations, which will be used for Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) services. Building on existing mechanisms and capacities, EEA will develop an innovative and sustainable framework to make the data accessible.
Interactive technology empowers Europeans to manage environmental change — Nov 17, 2009: As part of their partnership combining cutting-edge technology and environmental data, Microsoft Corp and the European Environment Agency (EEA) have expanded their Eye On Earth portal. A new application, AirWatch provides information on air quality to more than 500 million people across Europe. For the first time, EEA brings together both measured and modelled data alongside citizens' observations on air quality.
Pollution: new European register gives public access to information on emissions from European industrial facilities — Nov 09, 2009: The European Commission and the European Environment Agency today launched a comprehensive new European pollutant release and transfer register – E-PRTR. The register contains information about the quantity and location of pollutants released to air, water and land by industrial facilities throughout Europe. It includes annual data for 91 substances and covers more than 24 000 facilities in 65 economic activities. It also provides additional information, such as the amount and types of waste transferred from facilities to waste handlers both inside and outside each country.
EU set to miss 2010 air pollutant limits — Oct 01, 2009: With 2010 now quickly approaching, updated emission estimates for that year show just 14 Member States expect to meet their respective 2010 air pollutant limits set under the EU National Emission Ceilings Directive (NEC Directive). A small group of Member States anticipates missing two or more of their legally-binding emission ceilings.
Emissions of air pollutants down in EU-27 — Aug 21, 2009: The European Community's air pollutant emission inventory report released by the European Environment Agency finds that in 2007, sulphur oxides (SOx) emissions were down by 72 % from 1990 levels. The downward emission trend of three main pollutants which cause ground-level ozone continued in 2007: carbon monoxide (CO) fell by 57 %, non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) were down by 47 % and nitrogen oxides (NOx) have dropped 36 %. EU-27 emissions of all four pollutants were lower in 2007 than in 2006.
Ozone pollution is declining — but not everywhere — Jul 20, 2009: Ground-level ozone is among the most harmful air pollutants in Europe today. Elevated ozone levels cause health problems, premature deaths, reduced agricultural crop yields, damage to plants in semi-natural ecosystems and corrosion of physical infrastructure and cultural heritage.
How clean is Europe's air? — Mar 24, 2009: Particulate matter and ground-level ozone remain important air pollutants in Europe. Despite improvements due to EU legislation, they continue to have a heavy toll on human health especially in southern and eastern Europe. Two reports released today by the European Environment Agency (EEA) shed light on Europe’s air quality.
EU to exceed air pollutant limit due to growth in road transport — Dec 01, 2008: Despite significant emission reductions in recent years, only 11 EU Member States expect to remain within their emission limits for all four air pollutants set by the EU National Emission Ceilings Directive (NEC Directive). The nitrogen oxides ceiling remains the most difficult to comply with. This is partly due to the fact that demand for road transport has grown faster than anticipated.
EU-15 on target for Kyoto, despite mixed performances — Oct 16, 2008: The EU-15 should meet its collective target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 8 % for the period 2008–2012. Part of this decrease will come from emission reduction projects that EU countries will finance in other countries, according to a new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA).
Transport remains main source of health-damaging pollutants — Jul 28, 2008: A report launched today by the European Environment Agency shows that road transport remains the single main source of nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), and the second-most important source of fine particulate emissions (PM10 and PM2.5) in the EU-27. This report contains essential data that helps understand the evolution of air pollutant emissions since 1990.
Greening European transport consumption: change user behaviour and set carbon targets — Jun 24, 2008: There must be a clear, ambitious target for cutting CO2 emissions from transport in Europe. Citizen behaviour, together with improved use of technologies, have a major role to play. These are just a few of the messages emerging from the seminar: “Right on track - choosing the most eco-friendly transport option” organised by the International Union of Railways (UIC) today at the European Environment Agency.
More EU Member States to miss 2010 air pollutant limits — May 19, 2008: A preliminary analysis of data reported under the EU National Emission Ceilings Directive (NEC Directive) by Member States at the end of 2007 indicates that more countries anticipate missing one or more of their legally-binding 2010 emission ceilings compared to last year.
High potential to cut air pollution from Europe's power plants — May 05, 2008: Emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) from large combustion plants (LCP) could have been considerably lower in 2004, a report presented today by the European Environment Agency says.
Ozone levels last summer lowest in a decade — Apr 30, 2008: High concentrations of ozone in Europe were lower during the summer of 2007 than any other year in the past decade, according to the latest data unveiled by the European Environment Agency's technical report 'Air pollution by ozone across Europe during summer 2007'. In contrast to the same season in 2006, the threshold of 180 µg/m3 was not exceeded in northern Europe.
Six success stories on improving environmental performance of road transport in Europe — Mar 19, 2008: Europe's road transport has made a clear contribution to economic growth, but its environmental performance is still unacceptable. Traffic congestion, poorer air quality, noise and in particular greenhouse gas emissions are some of the key challenges effectively addressed by six initiatives identified by the European Environment Agency as success stories. Such measures should also be implemented elsewhere, but to reach intermediate and long-term climate change targets, transport demand has to be addressed as well.
Sharing environmental information to improve policy — Feb 21, 2008: Public authorities across Europe collect a vast range of environmental data but different practices of classification and reporting make it difficult to access them and use them for cross-border analyses.
Getting an instant, sharper picture of Europe's air pollution — Feb 07, 2008: The EEA has concluded an agreement with a consortium led by the European Space Agency to provide improved information on air pollution.
Several EU Member States to miss 2010 air pollutant targets — Dec 05, 2007: A number of EU Member States are likely to miss legally-binding 2010 emission targets for four important air pollutants, according to the 'NEC Directive status report 2006' from the EEA. The report is based on the latest data officially reported by Member States under the EU National Emission Ceilings Directive (NEC Directive).
EU within reach of Kyoto targets — Nov 27, 2007: The EU-15 can meet, and may even over-shoot, its 2012 Kyoto target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 8 % below 1990 levels if Member States implement now all additional policies being planned, according to a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA), released today in Copenhagen.
Progress reducing emissions of some air pollutants — Nov 23, 2007: Emissions of sulphur (SOx) have been reduced by almost 70 % since 1990, says a new report recently released by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The report, 'Annual European Community LRTAP Convention emission inventory report 1990–2005' also shows that levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx), as reported by the EU-27 Member States, are down by 35 %.
Concentrations of air pollutants constant despite drop in emissions — Nov 13, 2007: Concentrations of ozone and particulate matter, two harmful airborne pollutants, have not improved since 1997 despite substantial cuts in emissions of air pollutants across Europe, says a new EEA report, released today.
Better public information in European Pollutant Emission Register (EPER) — Jun 07, 2007: A clearer picture of the air and water pollution coming out of Europe's industrial installations is now available to the public due to improved and more complete reporting from industry. This is a key conclusion in an EPER data review report released today by the European Commission.
Southern Europe hit by dangerous ozone levels in 2006 — Mar 15, 2007: Summer ozone levels exceeded the EU’s long-term target level in 2006, threatening the health of Europeans, according to a report released today by the European Environment Agency. The frequency of ozone level exceedances was higher than in previous years, though not as high as in the record year 2003.
Transport - bottom of the Kyoto class again — Feb 26, 2007: Greenhouse gas emissions from transport remain a key, but avoidable, obstacle to the EU reaching its Kyoto climate change targets, according to a new European Environment Agency (EEA) report, released in Copenhagen today.
Updated European Pollutant Emission Register launched — Nov 23, 2006: EPER, a register of 50 air and water pollutants' emissions produced by large and medium-sized industrial facilities in all EU Member States and Norway, was originally launched in 2004. The updated version of EPER contains data for the new EU Member States.
Sulphur and nitrogen emissions continue to fall in EU-15 — Oct 13, 2006: Emissions of nitrogen oxides are down by 30% since the early 1990’s, according to a report released today by the European Environment Agency. The report, ‘Annual European Community LRTAP Convention emission inventory 1990-2004’ also says that emissions of sulphur (SOx) as reported by Member States dropped by 70% between 1990 and 2004 within the EU-15.
New web-based air pollution monitoring system — Jul 18, 2006: Ozone Web, a new internet tool, released in Copenhagen today by the European Environment Agency (EEA), offers users the opportunity to monitor and track ground level ozone incidents on a pan-European scale, for the first time.
Find out the level of ozone pollution in Europe — Jul 18, 2006: Ozone Web, a new internet tool, released by the EEA today, offers users the opportunity to monitor and track ground level ozone incidents on a pan-European scale, for the first time.
Commission and EEA win award for informing the public on industrial pollution — Apr 15, 2005: Last night the European Commission and the European Environment Agency (EEA) won an award for best new electronic information source for the publication of the European Pollutant Emission Register (EPER). EPER is the first Europe-wide register of industrial emissions into air and water and was launched in February 2004. It makes detailed information on pollution from around 10,000 large industrial facilities in the EU and Norway publicly accessible on the internet for the first time. The European Information Association awarded EPER first place in its Electronic Sources Category, recognising it as the best of a large number of electronic publications, databases and websites produced at European level in 2004.
Poor European test standards understate air pollution from cars — Oct 19, 2004: Inadequate test standards are underestimating emissions of harmful air pollutants from new cars and evidence indicates that many diesel car owners are making things worse by modifying their engines to increase power, the European Environment Agency warned today.
Latest trends show need for more environmental action in key sectors — Jun 01, 2004: Evidence of climate change is growing; nitrate pollution from farming continues; much of Europe's urban population is still exposed to air pollution above health protection levels; packaging waste is increasing and is projected to continue doing so. These are among the main findings of the EEA's latest annual survey of environmental trends in its 31 member countries., EEA Signals 2004, published today.
Commission and EEA make public extensive information about industrial pollution in your neighbourhood — Feb 23, 2004: Today the European Commission and the European Environment Agency (EEA) launched the European Pollutant Emission Register (EPER), the first Europe-wide register of industrial emissions into air and water.
Summer smog levels exceed critical threshold on two days in three — Oct 26, 2001: This report provides a first evaluation of ground-level ozone pollution in Europe during spring and summer 2001. Based on data submitted to the European Commission under the EU Directive on air pollution by ozone, it details observed exceedances of the Directive's thresholds for information and warning of the population in 25 European countries
Steen Gade elected vice-chairman of EEA Management Board — Mar 22, 2001