Urban environment

Curbing CO2 emissions from road transport: Road transport generates about one fifth of the EU's CO2 emissions, with passenger cars responsible for around 12%. This makes it the second most important source of greenhouse gases. Although there have been significant improvements over recent years in vehicle technology, these have not been enough to neutralise the effect of increases in traffic and car size.
Located in Environmental topics › Transport › Multimedia
Better and cleaner urban transport for Europe: Urban traffic is responsible for 40% of CO2 road transport emissions. In Europe, 9 citizens out of 10 are exposed to harmful particle emissions that are higher than the tolerated norm. Time wasted in traffic jams will soon cost 1% of the European Union’s GDP. In terms of urban transport, the European Union contributes to financing infrastructures and equipment, but also supports projects aiming at replacing petrol by alternative and clean fuels. Most cities in the EU are putting in place a mix of advanced technologies and transport policy measures, such as alternative traffic management systems to combine mobility and quality of life. The EU cooperates with cities, notably through the CIVITAS network, to favour the exchange of know-how and best practices at European level.
Located in Environmental topics › Transport › Multimedia
Improving the environment in Europe's cities: Four out of five of all Europeans live in towns and cities and the European Commission wants to help make urban areas a better place to live.
Located in Environmental topics › Urban environment › 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
Consumption and the environment — 2012 update: Update to the European Environment State and Outlook 2010 (SOER 2010) thematic assessment
Located in Publications
Copenhagen beats Bristol and Frankfurt to win European Green Capital 2014: The city of Copenhagen in Denmark has won the European Green Capital Award for 2014, fending off strong competition from two other finalists, Bristol in England and Frankfurt in Germany. Fourteen cities entered the competition, of which three finalist cities presented their vision, action plans and communication strategies to the jury earlier this month.
Located in News
Consumption and the environment - SOER 2010 thematic assessment: The consumption of goods and services in EEA member countries is a major driver of global resource use and associated environmental impacts. Growth in global trade is resulting in an increasing share of environmental pressures and impacts from European consumption taking place beyond Europe. Food and drink, housing, mobility and tourism are responsible for a large part of the pressures and impacts caused by consumption in the EU. Achieving significant reductions in environmental pressures and impacts will require changing private and public consumption patterns, to supplement gains achieved through better technology and improved production processes.
Located in The European environment – state and outlook 2010 › Thematic assessments
Cities, where the living is good?: Quality of life in cities and towns can mean many different things to people. Finding the right balance of a healthy environment and good social and economic provisions is a precondition. Participants of the 2008 Open Days (European Week of Regions and Cities) talk about how they see their cities and towns as a good place to live in.
Located in Multimedia centre
EEA celebrates Mobility Week 2007! How we fare in environmentally friendly commuting.: In celebration of the European Mobility Week, EEA staff examined its own impact on the environment with daily commuting to work. This video shows a few modes of transportation used by some employees. A recent survey among staff showed that 53 % of them walk or cycle to get to work and many others walk or cycle in combination with public transport.
Located in Multimedia centre
Traffic pollution still harmful to health in many parts of Europe: Transport in Europe is responsible for damaging levels of air pollutants and a quarter of EU greenhouse gas emissions. Many of the resulting environmental problems can be addressed by stepping up efforts to meet new EU targets, according to the latest report from the European Environment Agency (EEA).
Located in Press room › News