Coupled with improved control and abatement techniques, targeted international and EU legislation has led to good progress being made in most EEA-33 countries towards reducing heavy metal emissions. Such legislation includes:<\/p>\n
There are also a number of specific EU environmental quality and emission standards for heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in coastal and inland waters, drinking waters, etc. These have only indirect relevance to air emissions as they do not directly specify emission or precipitation quality requirements, but rather specify the required quality of receiving waters. Such measures include the Water Framework Directive (2000\/60\/EC). Other measures include restrictions on the use of heavy metals in certain consumer products, such as the EC Regulation on the banning of exports of metallic mercury and certain mercury compounds and mixtures, and the safe storage of metallic mercury (No 1102\/2008), as well as Directive 2007\/51\/EC amending Council Directive 7\/769\/EEC relating to restrictions on the marketing of certain measuring devices containing mercury.<\/p>\n
The Minamata Convention on Mercury — a global, legally binding treaty — was agreed by governments in January 2013 and formally adopted as international law on 10 October 2013.<\/p>" }, "specification": { "type": "uri", "value": "http:\/\/www.eea.europa.eu\/data-and-maps\/indicators\/eea32-heavy-metal-hm-emissions-1" }, "label": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": "Heavy metal emissions" }, "policy_context_targets": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": "
The Aarhus Protocol on Heavy Metals to the UNECE LRTAP Convention obliges parties to reduce their emissions of Cd, Hg and Pb from 1990 levels (or an alternative year from 1985 to 1995 inclusive).<\/p>" } }, { "assessment": { "type": "uri", "value": "http:\/\/www.eea.europa.eu\/data-and-maps\/indicators\/eea32-persistent-organic-pollutant-pop-emissions-1\/assessment-10" }, "codes": { "type": "literal", "value": "AIR002" }, "policy_questions": { "type": "literal", "value": "How do different sectors and processes contribute to emissions of persistent organic pollutants? | What progress is being made in reducing emissions of persistent organic pollutants across Europe?" }, "key_message": { "type": "literal", "value": "assessment-10 Persistent organic pollutant emissions \r\n Since 1990, emissions of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) decreased in the EEA-33 countries, e.g. hexachlorobenzene (HCB) decreased by 95 %, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by 75 %, dioxins and furans by around 70 % and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by 83 %. \r\n The majority of countries report that POP emissions fell during the period 1990 to 2017. \r\n In 2017, the most significant sources of emissions included the ‘Commercial, institutional and households’ and ‘Industrial processes and product use’ sectors. \r\n hcb furans air pollution pops pah dioxins air pollution indicators air emissions pcb hch pollution organic pollutant AIR AIR002 002 " }, "policy_context_description": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": "
Targeted European Commission legislation (directives and regulations), coupled with improved control and abatement techniques, have led to good progress being made by the EEA-33 countries towards reducing air emissions of POPs, including the PAH group of chemicals. Such legislation is described below.<\/p>\n
In May 2009, additional chemicals were added to the Stockholm Convention:<\/p>\n
The EC Communication on a Community Strategy for Dioxins, Furans and PCBs (COM (2001) 593 final)<\/a> aims to assess the current state of the environment and to reduce human exposure and long-term environmental effects. This communication does not propose legislative measures, but could be the basis for a Community action plan.<\/p>\n The Directive on the Limitation of Emissions of Certain Pollutants into the Air from Large Combustion Plants (2001\/80\/EC)<\/a> has had the effect of reducing heavy metal and PAH emissions via dust control and absorption.<\/p>\n Regulation (EC) No 850\/2004 on Persistent Organic Pollutants<\/a> entered into force on 20 May 2004. The main purpose of this regulation is to enable the European Community to ratify the Stockholm Convention and the Aarhus Protocol. The regulation also deals with stockpiles of redundant substances.<\/p>\n Emissions of a number of heavy metals released from certain industrial facilities are also estimated and reported under the requirements of the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register Regulation (E-PRTR) (166\/2006\/EC)<\/a>.<\/p>\n The EU Directive on Ambient Air Quality and Cleaner Air for Europe (2008\/50\/EC)<\/a> and Directive 2004\/107\/EC relating to heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air <\/b>contain provisions, and target and limit values for the further control of air pollutants in ambient air.<\/p>\n There are also a number of specific EU environmental quality and emission standards for heavy metals and POPs in coastal and inland waters, drinking waters, etc. These have only indirect relevance to air emissions as they do not directly specify emission or precipitation quality requirements, but rather specify the required quality of receiving waters. Such measures include Directive 84\/491\/EEC on HCH discharges; Directives 76\/464\/EC and 86\/280\/EC on dangerous substances; and the Water Framework Directive (2000\/60\/EC).<\/p>" },
"specification": { "type": "uri", "value": "http:\/\/www.eea.europa.eu\/data-and-maps\/indicators\/eea32-persistent-organic-pollutant-pop-emissions-1" },
"label": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": "Persistent organic pollutant emissions" },
"policy_context_targets": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": " As noted above, the Aarhus Protocol on POPs to the UNECE LRTAP Convention obliges parties to reduce their emissions of dioxins, furans, PAHs and HCB to below their 1990 levels (or an alternative year between 1985 and 1995 inclusive).<\/p>" }
},
{
"assessment": { "type": "uri", "value": "http:\/\/www.eea.europa.eu\/data-and-maps\/indicators\/exceedance-of-air-quality-limit-2\/assessment" },
"codes": { "type": "literal", "value": "AIR003 | CSI004" },
"policy_questions": { "type": "literal", "value": "" },
"key_message": { "type": "literal", "value": "assessment Exceedance of air quality standards in Europe EU legislation has led to improvements in air quality, with the percentage of urban citizens exposed to pollutant levels above standards set to protect human health falling between 2000 and 2018. However, poor air quality remains a problem: in 2018, 34 % of citizens were exposed to O 3 and 15 % to PM 10 above EU limit values. This is mainly due to emissions from transport and buildings, but also from agriculture and industry. Without radical changes to mobility, energy and food systems and industry, it is unlikely that air quality targets will be met in the near future. air air quality air pollution health quality of life CSI CSI004 AIR AIR003 004 003 " },
"policy_context_description": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": " No related policy context has been specified.<\/p>" },
"specification": { "type": "uri", "value": "http:\/\/www.eea.europa.eu\/data-and-maps\/indicators\/exceedance-of-air-quality-limit-2" },
"label": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": "Exceedance of air quality standards in Europe" },
"policy_context_targets": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": " No related targets has been specified.<\/p>" }
},
{
"assessment": { "type": "uri", "value": "http:\/\/www.eea.europa.eu\/data-and-maps\/indicators\/exposure-of-ecosystems-to-acidification-15\/assessment" },
"codes": { "type": "literal", "value": "AIR004 | CSI005" },
"policy_questions": { "type": "literal", "value": "" },
"key_message": { "type": "literal", "value": "assessment Exposure of Europe's ecosystems to ozone Ground-level ozone adversely affects not only human health but also vegetation and ecosystems across Europe, leading to decreased crop yields and forest growth, and loss of biodiversity. Much of Europe’s lands are exposed to ozone levels above the threshold and long-term objective values set in the EU’s Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD) for the protection of vegetation. For instance, after a 6-year period (2009-2014) of relatively low ozone values, the fraction of arable land exposed to levels above the AAQD threshold increased to 30 % in 2015, falling to 19 % in 2016, before increasing again to 26 % in 2017 and 45 % in 2018. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n ozone aot40 csi air pollution CSI CSI005 AIR AIR004 005 004 " },
"policy_context_description": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": " This indicator provides relevant information for the EU's Seventh Environmental Action Programme (7th EAP) and the Clean Air Programme for Europe proposed by the European Commission at the end of 2013. The long-term strategic objective and core of the new air package is to attain 'air quality levels that do not give rise to significant negative impacts on, or risks for, human health and the environment'. The 7th EAP kept the intermediate objectives already set in the 6th EAP and the 2005 Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution to further reduce air pollution and its impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity by 2020. This will be accomplished by achieving full compliance with existing legislation. Furthermore, the long-term objective to not exceed critical levels remains in place.<\/p>\n Internationally, a first step to address air-pollution related impacts on health and the environment was the 1979 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Geneva Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP Convention).<\/p>\n A centrepiece of the convention is the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground-level Ozone, subsequently amended in 2012. Critical ozone levels for vegetation were also defined under the LRTAP Convention.<\/p>\n The Air Quality Directive (EU, 2008) sets both a target value (to be met in 2010) and a long-term objective for ozone for the protection of vegetation. The long-term objective is largely consistent with the long-term critical level of ozone for crops (UNECE, 2015), as defined in the UNECE LRTAP Convention.<\/p>" },
"specification": { "type": "uri", "value": "http:\/\/www.eea.europa.eu\/data-and-maps\/indicators\/exposure-of-ecosystems-to-acidification-15" },
"label": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": "Exposure of Europe's ecosystems to ozone" },
"policy_context_targets": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": " Using a stepwise approach and taking into account advances in scientific knowledge, the long-term target under the amended protocol is that atmospheric depositions or concentrations do not exceed for parties within the geographical scope of EMEP, the critical levels of ozone, as given in Annex I.<\/p>\n Annex I of the amended protocol includes a short definition of critical levels for ozone.<\/p>\n Critical levels for the protection of crops and forests (AOT40f) have also been defined under the LRTAP Convention (UNECE, 2015). The critical level for crops is consistent with the EU long-term objective for vegetation. The critical level for forests relates to the accumulated sum during the growing season (considered as April to September) and is set at 10 000 μg\/m3<\/sup>·h.<\/p>\n For the protection of vegetation from ozone exposure, the Air Quality Directive (EU, 2008) defines:<\/p>\n a) the target value for the protection of vegetation as AOT40-value (calculated from hourly values from May to July, considering the growing season) of 18 000 (μg\/m3<\/sup>)·h, averaged over 5 years. This target value should be met in 2010 (2010 being the first year from which data will be used in the calculation over the following 5 years).<\/p>\n b) a long-term objective as AOT40-value (calculated from hourly values from May to July) of 6 000 (μg\/m3<\/sup>)·h, with no defined date of attainment.<\/p>\n In the assessment part of the indicator, the target value threshold is also considered. This is the target value considered only for 1 year and not for the averaged period of 5 years.<\/p>\n New air policy objectives for 2030 are specified in the Clean Air Programme for Europe proposed by the European Commission in 2013, in line with the long term objective of reaching no exceedance of the critical levels.<\/p>\n DECISION No 1386\/2013\/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 20 November 2013 on a General Union Environment Action Programme to 2020 ‘Living well, within the limits of our planet’. In November 2013, the European Parliament and the European Council adopted the 7 th EU Environment Action Programme to 2020 ‘Living well, within the limits of our planet’. This programme is intended to help guide EU action on the environment and climate change up to and beyond 2020 based on the following vision: ‘In 2050, we live well, within the planet’s ecological limits. Our prosperity and healthy environment stem from an innovative, circular economy where nothing is wasted and where natural resources are managed sustainably, and biodiversity is protected, valued and restored in ways that enhance our society’s resilience. Our low-carbon growth has long been decoupled from resource use, setting the pace for a safe and sustainable global society.’<\/p>\n Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution 1999 Protocol to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground-level Ozone, amended on 4 May 2012.<\/p>\n Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - \"A Clean Air Programme for Europe\", COM(2013) 918 final<\/p>\n Directive 2008\/50\/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe.<\/p>\n Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament - Thematic Strategy on air pollution (COM(2005) 0446 final)<\/p>\n UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution<\/p>" }
},
{
"assessment": { "type": "uri", "value": "http:\/\/www.eea.europa.eu\/data-and-maps\/indicators\/main-anthropogenic-air-pollutant-emissions\/assessment-6" },
"codes": { "type": "literal", "value": "AIR005 | CSI040" },
"policy_questions": { "type": "literal", "value": "How do different sectors and processes contribute to emissions of the main air pollutants? | What progress is being made in reducing emissions of the main air pollutants across Europe?" },
"key_message": { "type": "literal", "value": "assessment-6 Emissions of the main air pollutants in Europe \r\n In EEA countries, ammonia emissions have decreased by 18 % (23 % in the EU-28) overall since 1990, but have been continuously increasing since 2014. \r\n Since 1990, emissions of both nitrogen oxides and non-methane volatile organic compounds decreased by more than a half, with emission of nitrogen oxides decreasing by 57 % and non-methane volatile organic compounds by 54% in EEA countries (61 % and 58 % in the EU-28). \r\n Emissions of fine particulate matter decreased by almost one third (28 %) in both EEA countries and in the EU-28 from 2000. \r\n Since 1990, level of emissions of sulphur oxides strongly decreased by 82 % in EEA countries (91 % in the EU-28). \r\n europe trends emissions by sector group main air pollutant emissions CSI CSI040 AIR AIR005 040 005 " },
"policy_context_description": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": " Current EU air pollution policy is underpinned by the objectives and long-term goals of e.g. the Sixth Environment Action Programme (6EAP; EC, 2002<\/a>) (covering the 2002–2012 period) to further reduce air pollution and its impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity by 2020, i.e. to attain 'levels of air quality that do not give rise to significant negative impacts on, and risks to, human health and the environment'. This goal has been reinforced in the Seventh Environment Action Programme (7th EAP), which will run until 2020 (EU, 2013<\/a>). To move towards achieving the TSAP objectives, EU air pollution legislation has followed a twin-track approach of implementing both emission mitigation controls and air‑quality standards. A new strategy, the Clean Air Programme for Europe, was proposed by the European Commission at the end of 2013 (EU, 2013<\/a>).<\/p>\n Internationally, the 1979 UNECE LRTAP Convention (UNECE, 1979<\/a>) was a first step towards addressing the impacts of air pollution on health and the environment. A centrepiece of the convention is the 1999 ‘Gothenburg Protocol to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground-level Ozone’, subsequently amended in 2012 (UNECE, 2012<\/a>). The amended protocol sets emission ceilings (limits) for the year 2010 and national emission reduction commitments for the emission of the main air pollutants, namely SOx<\/sub>, NOx<\/sub>, NH3<\/sub> and NMVOCs. It also includes reduction commitments for PM2.5 <\/sub>emissions for 2020. Under the protocol, the critical loads concept was established as a tool for informing political discussions related to damage to sensitive ecosystems (see CSI 005<\/a>). Critical ozone levels (concentrations) for vegetation were also defined under the LRTAP Convention.<\/p>\n The 1999 Gothenburg Protocol was followed in 2001 by the EU's NECD which has since been repealed by a revised NEC Directive in 2016 (EU, 2016<\/a>). The original directive introduced legally binding national emission limits for four main air pollutants: SO2<\/sub>, NOx<\/sub>, NH3<\/sub> and NMVOCs. The directive requires EU Member States to have met emission ceilings by 2010 and in the years thereafter, with emission reduction commitments established for 2020 and 2030 for the four main pollutants and PM2.5. The goal is to comply with the amended Gothenburg Protocol by 2020, followed by more ambitious reductions from 2030 onwards. The human health and environmental objectives defined in the NECD, the Gothenburg Protocol and the EU’s Air Quality Directive (EU, 2008<\/a>a) are addressed by indicators CSI004<\/a> and CSI005<\/a>.<\/p>\n Regulation addressing ambient air concentrations<\/b><\/p>\n The European directives currently regulating the ambient air concentrations of the main pollutants are designed to avoid, prevent or reduce the harmful effects of air pollutants on human health and the environment by implementing limit or target values for ambient concentrations of air pollutants. They are:<\/p>\n In the case of non-compliance with the air quality limit and target values stipulated in European legislation, air quality management plans must be developed and implemented in the areas in which exceedances occur. These plans should aim to bring concentrations of air pollutants to levels below the limit and target values. To ensure overall coherence, and consistency between different policies, air quality plans should be consistent (if feasible) and integrated with plans and programmes in line with the directives regulating air pollutant emissions.<\/p>\n Legal instruments at European level that address <\/b>emissions <\/b>directly or indirectly Source-specific EU legislation focuses on industrial emissions, road and off-road vehicle emissions, fuel quality standards, etc., by setting emission standards, requiring the use of best-available technology or setting requirements on fuel composition. In addition, several legal instruments are used to reduce environmental impacts from different activities or to promote environmentally friendly behaviour, and these also contribute indirectly to reducing air pollution, as summarised below.<\/p>\n End-of-pipe control in industrial installations:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Emission standards for cars:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Handling and storage:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fuel quality:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n International shipping:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In addition to the policy instruments outlined above, there are several EU directives that also contribute indirectly to efforts to minimise air pollution. These directives are intended to reduce environmental impacts, including on climate change, and\/or to promote environmentally friendly behaviour. Some examples are outlined below.<\/p>\n Agriculture:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ecodesign:<\/p>\n <\/p>" },
"specification": { "type": "uri", "value": "http:\/\/www.eea.europa.eu\/data-and-maps\/indicators\/main-anthropogenic-air-pollutant-emissions" },
"label": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": "Emissions of the main air pollutants in Europe" },
"policy_context_targets": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": " National Emission Ceilings Directive (2001\/81\/EC)<\/strong><\/p>\n The NECD (EU, 2001<\/span><\/a>) sets pollutant-specific and legally binding emission ceilings for NO<\/span>x<\/span><\/sub>, NMVOCs, SO<\/span>x<\/span><\/sub> and NH<\/span>3<\/span><\/sub> for each EU Member State. The directive requires Member States to have met the ceilings and interim environmental objectives by 2010 and in the years thereafter (EEA, 2019<\/a><\/span>). The directive sets specific environmental objectives that address the impacts of acidification and eutrophication on ecosystems, and the harmful effects of ozone on vegetation and human health (see CSI 005<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n The NECD was reviewed as part of the Clean Air Policy Package<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span>. In December 2016, the Council adopted the new<\/span> directive and reporting under this directive already started in February 2017. <\/span>The new directive repeals and replaces the current EU regime on the annual capping of national emissions of air pollutants, as defined in Directive 2001\/81\/EC. By doing so, it ensures that the national emission ceilings (NECs) set in the current NECD (2001\/81\/EC) for 2010 onwards for SOx<\/sub><\/span>, NOx<\/sub>, NMVOCs and NH<\/span>3<\/span><\/sub> shall apply until 2020, and it establishes new national emission 'reduction commitments', which are applicable from 2020 and from 2030, for SO<\/span>x<\/span><\/sub>, NOx<\/sub>, NMVOCs, NH<\/span>3<\/span><\/sub> and PM<\/span>2.5<\/span><\/sub>. The reduction commitments are binding for the period from 2020 to 2029 and from 2030 onwards. In principle, the commitments are indicative for 2025<\/span><\/span> by a linear emission reduction trajectory. A non-linear reduction trajectory is permissible if it is economically and technically more efficient, and provided that, from 2025, it progressively converges with the linear reduction trajectory.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution Gothenburg Protocol (1999; amended in 2012)<\/b><\/p>\n The amended Gothenburg Protocol sets national ceilings (limits) for the emission of the main air pollutants, namely SOx<\/sub>, NOx<\/sub>, NH3<\/sub>, NMVOCs and primary PM2.5<\/sub> (UNECE, 2012<\/a>). The EU as a whole has ratified the protocol, and reports EU emissions to the UNECE (EEA, 2016b<\/span><\/a><\/span>).<\/p>\n The target under the amended protocol (UNECE, 2012) is to ensure that — in the long term and using a stepwise approach that takes into account advances in scientific knowledge — atmospheric depositions or concentrations do not exceed critical loads for the nutrient nitrogen (see CSI 005<\/a>). Critical levels for the protection of crops (AOT40c) and for the protection of forests (AOT40f) have also been defined under the LRTAP Convention, and the critical level for crops is consistent with the EU long-term objective for vegetation (see CSI 005<\/a>).<\/p>\n The 2010 targets under the NECD and Gothenburg Protocol are included in the EEA’s NEC data viewer<\/a> and the LRTAP data viewer<\/a>.<\/p>" }
},
{
"assessment": { "type": "uri", "value": "http:\/\/www.eea.europa.eu\/data-and-maps\/indicators\/global-and-european-temperature-10\/assessment" },
"codes": { "type": "literal", "value": "CLIM001 | CSI012" },
"policy_questions": { "type": "literal", "value": "" },
"key_message": { "type": "literal", "value": "assessment Global and European temperatures Global mean near-surface temperature during the last decade (2010-2019) was 0.94 to 1.03 °C warmer than the pre-industrial level, which makes it the warmest decade on record. European land temperatures have increased even faster over the same period, by 1.7 to 1.9 °C. All UNFCC member countries have committed in the Paris Agreement to limiting the global temperature increase to well below 2 °C above the pre-industrial level and to aim to limit the increase to 1.5 °C. Without drastic cuts in global greenhouse gas emissions, even the 2 °C limit will already be exceeded before 2050. scenarios climate change climate temperature surface temperature CSI CSI012 CLIM CLIM001 012 001 " },
"policy_context_description": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": " The Paris Agreement adopted in December 2015 defines the long-term goal to 'hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels, since this would significantly reduce risks and the impacts of climate change’ (UNFCCC, 2016). The need to limit the increase in GMT in accordance with the goals of the UNFCCC is also recognised in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and in Goal 13 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable development (UNDRR, 2015; UN, 2015).<\/p>" },
"specification": { "type": "uri", "value": "http:\/\/www.eea.europa.eu\/data-and-maps\/indicators\/global-and-european-temperature-10" },
"label": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": "Global and European temperatures" },
"policy_context_targets": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": " - <\/p>" }
},
{
"assessment": { "type": "uri", "value": "http:\/\/www.eea.europa.eu\/data-and-maps\/indicators\/european-precipitation-2\/assessment" },
"codes": { "type": "literal", "value": "CLIM002" },
"policy_questions": { "type": "literal", "value": "What is the trend in precipitation across Europe?" },
"key_message": { "type": "literal", "value": "assessment Mean precipitation \r\n Annual precipitation since 1960 shows an increasing trend of up to 70 mm per decade in north-eastern and north-western Europe, and a decrease of up to 90 mm per decade in some parts of southern Europe. At mid-latitudes no significant changes in annual precipitation have been observed. Mean summer precipitation has significantly decreased by up to 20 mm per decade in most of southern Europe, while significant increases of up to 18 mm per decade have been recorded in parts of northern Europe. \r\n Projected changes in precipitation vary substantially across regions and seasons. Annual precipitation is generally projected to increase in northern Europe and to decrease in southern Europe. The projected decrease in southern Europe is strongest in the summer. \r\n scenarios climate change key climate variables precipitation temperature CLIM CLIM002 002 " },
"policy_context_description": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": " In April 2013 the European Commission presented the EU Adaptation Strategy Package (http:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/clima\/policies\/adaptation\/what\/documentation_en.htm<\/a>). This package consists of the EU Strategy on adaptation to climate change \/* COM\/2013\/0216 final *\/ and a number of supporting documents. One of the objectives of the EU Adaptation Strategy is Better informed decision-making, which should occur through Bridging the knowledge gap and Further developing Climate-ADAPT as the ‘one-stop shop’ for adaptation information in Europe. Further objectives include Promoting action by Member States and Climate-proofing EU action: promoting adaptation in key vulnerable sectors. Many EU Member States have already taken action, such as by adopting national adaptation strategies, and several have also prepared action plans on climate change adaptation.<\/p>\n The European Commission and the European Environment Agency have developed the European Climate Adaptation Platform (Climate-ADAPT, http:\/\/climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu\/<\/a>) to share knowledge on observed and projected climate change and its impacts on environmental and social systems and on human health; on relevant research; on EU, national and subnational adaptation strategies and plans; and on adaptation case studies.<\/p>\n In September 2016, the EC presented an indicative roadmap for the evaluation of the EU Adaptation Strategy<\/a> by 2018.<\/p>\n In November 2013, the European Parliament and the European Council adopted the 7th<\/sup> EU Environment Action Programme<\/a> (7th<\/sup> EAP) to 2020, ‘Living well, within the limits of our planet’. The 7th<\/sup> EAP is intended to help guide EU action on environment and climate change up to and beyond 2020. It highlights that ‘Action to mitigate and adapt to climate change will increase the resilience of the Union’s economy and society, while stimulating innovation and protecting the Union’s natural resources.’ Consequently, several priority objectives of the 7th<\/sup> EAP refer to climate change adaptation.<\/p>" },
"specification": { "type": "uri", "value": "http:\/\/www.eea.europa.eu\/data-and-maps\/indicators\/european-precipitation-2" },
"label": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": "Mean precipitation" },
"policy_context_targets": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": " No targets have been specified.<\/p>" }
},
{
"assessment": { "type": "uri", "value": "http:\/\/www.eea.europa.eu\/data-and-maps\/indicators\/precipitation-extremes-in-europe-3\/assessment-1" },
"codes": { "type": "literal", "value": "CLIM004" },
"policy_questions": { "type": "literal", "value": "What are the past trends and projected changes in heavy precipitation events across Europe?" },
"key_message": { "type": "literal", "value": "assessment-1 Heavy precipitation in Europe \r\n The intensity of heavy precipitation events in summer and winter have increased in northern and north-eastern Europe since the 1960s. Different indices show diverging trends for south-western and southern Europe. \r\n Heavy precipitation events are likely to become more frequent in most parts of Europe. The projected changes are strongest in Scandinavia and northern Europe in winter. \r\n climate change key climate variables heavy precipitation extreme prepicitation rainfall CLIM CLIM004 004 " },
"policy_context_description": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": " In April 2013, the European Commission (EC) presented the EU Adaptation Strategy Package<\/a><\/span><\/span>. This package consists of the EU Strategy on adaptation to climate change<\/a><\/span> (COM\/2013\/216 final) and a number of supporting documents. The overall aim of the EU Adaptation Strategy is to contribute to a more climate-resilient Europe.<\/p>\n One of the objectives of the EU Adaptation Strategy is 'Better informed decision-making'. This shall be achieved by bridging the knowledge gap and further developing the European climate adaptation platform (Climate-ADAPT<\/a>) as the ‘first-stop shop’ for adaptation information in Europe. Climate-ADAPT has been developed jointly by the EC and the EEA to share knowledge on (1) observed and projected climate change and its impacts on environmental and social systems and on human health; (2) relevant research; (3) EU, transnational, national and sub-national adaptation strategies and plans; and (4) adaptation case studies. It was relaunched in early 2019 with a new design and updated content. Further objectives include 'Promoting adaptation in key vulnerable sectors through climate-proofing EU sector policies' and 'Promoting action by Member States'.<\/p>\n Most EU Member States have already adopted national adaptation strategies and many have also prepared action plans on climate change adaptation. The EC also supports adaptation in cities through the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy<\/a><\/span><\/span> initiative.<\/p>\n In November 2018, the Commission published its evaluation of the 2013 EU Adaptation Strategy. The evaluation package <\/a><\/span>includes a Report from the Commission<\/a><\/span>, a Commission Staff Working Document<\/a><\/span>, the Adaptation preparedness scoreboard country fiches<\/a><\/span>, and the reports from the JRC PESETA III project<\/a><\/span>. This evaluation includes recommendations for the further development and implementation of adaptation policies at all levels.<\/p>\n In November 2013, the European Parliament and the European Council adopted the 7th EU Environment Action Programme<\/a> (7th EAP) to 2020, ‘Living well, within the limits of our planet’. The 7th<\/span> EAP is intended to help guide EU action on environment and climate change up to and beyond 2020. It highlights that ‘Action to mitigate and adapt to climate change will increase the resilience of the Union’s economy and society, while stimulating innovation and protecting the Union’s natural resources.’ Consequently, several priority objectives of the 7th EAP refer to climate change adaptation.<\/p>" },
"specification": { "type": "uri", "value": "http:\/\/www.eea.europa.eu\/data-and-maps\/indicators\/precipitation-extremes-in-europe-3" },
"label": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": "Heavy precipitation in Europe" },
"policy_context_targets": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": " No targets have been specified.<\/p>" }
},
{
"assessment": { "type": "uri", "value": "http:\/\/www.eea.europa.eu\/data-and-maps\/indicators\/storms-2\/assessment" },
"codes": { "type": "literal", "value": "CLIM005" },
"policy_questions": { "type": "literal", "value": "What is the trend in extreme wind speeds across Europe?" },
"key_message": { "type": "literal", "value": "assessment Wind storms \r\n Storm location, frequency and intensity have shown considerable decadal variability across Europe over the past century, such that no significant long-term trends are apparent. \r\n Recent studies on changes in winter storm tracks generally project an extension eastwards of the North Atlantic storm track towards central Europe and the British Isles. \r\n Climate change simulations show diverging projections on changes in the number of winter storms across Europe. However, most studies agree that the risk of severe winter storms, and possibly of severe autumn storms, will increase for the North Atlantic and northern, north-western and central Europe over the 21st century. \r\n europe climate change projection wind speed CLIM CLIM005 005 " },
"policy_context_description": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": " In April 2013 the European Commission presented the EU Adaptation Strategy Package (http:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/clima\/policies\/adaptation\/what\/documentation_en.htm<\/a>). This package consists of the EU Strategy on adaptation to climate change \/* COM\/2013\/0216 final *\/ and a number of supporting documents. One of the objectives of the EU Adaptation Strategy is Better informed decision-making, which should occur through Bridging the knowledge gap and Further developing Climate-ADAPT as the ‘one-stop shop’ for adaptation information in Europe. Further objectives include Promoting action by Member States and Climate-proofing EU action: promoting adaptation in key vulnerable sectors. Many EU Member States have already taken action, such as by adopting national adaptation strategies, and several have also prepared action plans on climate change adaptation.<\/p>\n The European Commission and the European Environment Agency have developed the European Climate Adaptation Platform (Climate-ADAPT, http:\/\/climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu\/<\/a>) to share knowledge on observed and projected climate change and its impacts on environmental and social systems and on human health; on relevant research; on EU, national and subnational adaptation strategies and plans; and on adaptation case studies.<\/p>\n In September 2016, the EC presented an indicative roadmap for the evaluation of the EU Adaptation Strategy<\/a> by 2018.<\/p>\n In November 2013, the European Parliament and the European Council adopted the 7th<\/sup> EU Environment Action Programme<\/a> (7th<\/sup> EAP) to 2020, ‘Living well, within the limits of our planet’. The 7th<\/sup> EAP is intended to help guide EU action on environment and climate change up to and beyond 2020. It highlights that ‘Action to mitigate and adapt to climate change will increase the resilience of the Union’s economy and society, while stimulating innovation and protecting the Union’s natural resources.’ Consequently, several priority objectives of the 7th<\/sup> EAP refer to climate change adaptation.<\/p>" },
"specification": { "type": "uri", "value": "http:\/\/www.eea.europa.eu\/data-and-maps\/indicators\/storms-2" },
"label": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": "Wind storms" },
"policy_context_targets": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": " No targets have been specified.<\/p>" }
},
{
"assessment": { "type": "uri", "value": "http:\/\/www.eea.europa.eu\/data-and-maps\/indicators\/air-pollution-by-ozone-2\/assessment" },
"codes": { "type": "literal", "value": "CLIM006" },
"policy_questions": { "type": "literal", "value": "What are the effects of climate change on ozone concentrations across Europe and how can they affect health via population exposure?" },
"key_message": { "type": "literal", "value": "assessment Air pollution due to ozone: health impacts and effects of climate change \r\n \r\n There was no discernible trend in European ozone concentrations between 2003 and 2012, in terms of the annual mean of the daily maximum eight hour average measured at any type of station. \r\n It is difficult to attribute observed ozone exceedences, or changes therein, to individual causes such as climate change. \r\n Future climate change is expected to increase ozone concentrations, but this increase should not exceed 5 µg\/m 3 by the middle of the century and would therefore likely be outweighed by reductions in ozone levels due to planned future emissions reductions. \r\n End of the century projections for the effects of climate change involve an increase of up to 8 µg\/m 3 in ozone concentrations . \r\n air pollution ozone concentrations emissions strategies climate mitigation ozone climate change o3 CLIM CLIM006 006 " },
"policy_context_description": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": " High-levels of ozone cause breathing problems, trigger asthma, reduce lung function and cause lung disease (WHO, 2008). Epidemiological health evidence of chronic effects from exposure to ozone is now emerging, indicating considerably larger mortality effects than from acute exposure alone (WHO, 2013). The estimated effects of excessive exposure to ozone in 2010 for the EU-28 include about 26 500 premature deaths, 19 000 respiratory hospital admissions and 86 000 cardiovascular hospital admissions (people older than 64), and up to almost 109 million person-days with minor activity restrictions (all ages) (EU, 2013). The effect of ozone concentrations on total mortality, based on 2012 values, led to about 17 000 premature deaths in 40 European countries and about 16 000 in the EU-28 (EEA, 2015). There is scarce evidence that high ozone levels can further increase mortality during heat waves (ECDC, 2005; EPI, 2006).<\/p>\n In the Communication “A Clean Air Programme for Europe”, the EU Clean Air Policy Package, adopted by the European Commission on 18 December 2013, proposes the short-term objective of achieving full compliance with existing legislation (Air Quality Directive 2008\/50\/EC) by 2020 at the latest; and the long-term objective of no exceedences of the WHO guideline levels for human health.<\/p>\n Some of the priority objectives of the Seventh EU Environment Action Programme are to protect, conserve and enhance the EU's natural capital; safeguard its citizens from environment-related pressures and risks to health and well-being; and enhance the sustainability of its cities.<\/p>\n The European Commission and the European Environment Agency have developed the European Climate Adaptation Platform (Climate-ADAPT<\/a>) to share knowledge on observed and projected climate change and its impacts on environmental and social systems and human health, relevant research, EU, national and sub-national adaptation strategies and plans, and adaptation case studies.<\/p>\n In April 2013, the European Commission presented the EU Adaptation Strategy Package<\/a>. This package consists of the EU Strategy on adaptation to climate change and a number of supporting documents. One of the objectives of the EU Adaptation Strategy is “Better informed decision-making”, which should occur through bridging the knowledge gap and further developing Climate-ADAPT as the ‘one-stop shop’ for adaptation information in Europe. Further objectives include “Promoting action by Member States” and “Climate-proofing EU action: promoting adaptation in key vulnerable sectors”. Many EU Member States have already taken action, such as by adopting national adaptation strategies, and several have also prepared action plans on climate change adaptation.<\/p>" },
"specification": { "type": "uri", "value": "http:\/\/www.eea.europa.eu\/data-and-maps\/indicators\/air-pollution-by-ozone-2" },
"label": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": "Air pollution due to ozone: health impacts and effects of climate change" },
"policy_context_targets": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": " The following policy targets have been set: In April 2013, the European Commission (EC) presented the EU Adaptation Strategy Package<\/a>. This package consists of the EU Strategy on adaptation to climate change<\/a> (COM\/2013\/216 final) and a number of supporting documents. The overall aim of the EU Adaptation Strategy is to contribute to a more climate-resilient Europe.<\/p>\n One of the objectives of the EU Adaptation Strategy is Better informed decision-making, which will be achieved by bridging the knowledge gap and further developing the European climate adaptation platform (Climate-ADAPT<\/a>) as the ‘one-stop shop’ for adaptation information in Europe. Climate-ADAPT has been developed jointly by the EC and the EEA to share knowledge on (1) observed and projected climate change and its impacts on environmental and social systems and on human health, (2) relevant research, (3) EU, transnational, national and subnational adaptation strategies and plans, and (4) adaptation case studies.<\/p>\n Further objectives include Promoting adaptation in key vulnerablesectors through climate-proofing EU sector policies and Promoting action by Member States. Most EU Member States have already adopted national adaptation strategies and many have also prepared action plans on climate change adaptation. The EC also supports adaptation in cities through the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy<\/a> initiative.<\/p>\n In September 2016, the EC presented an indicative roadmap for the evaluation of the EU Adaptation Strategy<\/a> by 2018.<\/p>\n<\/h4>\n
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Energy taxation:<\/p>\n\n
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Directive 2008\/50\/EC:
•\tA long-term objective for ozone levels of 120 microgram per cubic metre (µg\/m3) as a maximum daily 8-hour mean within a calendar year (not to be exceeded any day). No attainment date specified.
•\tA target value for ozone, equal to the long-term objective, not to be exceeded more than 25 days per calendar year, averaged over three years. It had to be met in 2010 (average 2010 to 2012).
WHO Air Quality Guidelines:
•\tDaily maximum 8-hour mean of ozone concentrations: 100 µg\/m3.
Clean Air Programme for Europe:
•\tReduce ozone-acute-premature deaths in 2025 by between 28 and 39 % in relation 2005 figures.<\/p>" }
},
{
"assessment": { "type": "uri", "value": "http:\/\/www.eea.europa.eu\/data-and-maps\/indicators\/glaciers-2\/assessment" },
"codes": { "type": "literal", "value": "CLIM007" },
"policy_questions": { "type": "literal", "value": "" },
"key_message": { "type": "literal", "value": "assessment Glaciers \r\n The vast majority of glaciers in the European glacial regions are in retreat. Glaciers in the European Alps have lost approximately half of their volume since 1900, with clear acceleration since the 1980s. \r\n Glacier retreat is expected to continue in the future. It has been estimated that the volume of European glaciers will decline between 22 and 84 % compared with the current situation by 2100 under a moderate greenhouse gas forcing scenario, and between 38 and 89 % under a high forcing scenario. \r\n Glacier retreat contributed to global sea level rise by about 0.8 mm per year in 2003–2009. It also affects freshwater supply and run-off regimes, river navigation, irrigation and power generation. Furthermore, it may cause natural hazards and damage to infrastructure. \r\n europe climate change cryosphere mass-balance glaciers CLIM CLIM007 007 " },
"policy_context_description": { "type": "literal", "xml:lang": "en", "value": "