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Population density, 1989 |
Examines the complex and still poorly understood relationship between people, resources and development attempt to clarify the issues involved. The chapter concludes by stressing the importance of assessing the environment implications of long-term economic and development programmes
Coal | Oil | Gas | Nuclear | Hydro | Others | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
World | 1970 | 31.7 | 46.8 | 18.8 | 0.9 | 1.7 | |
1990 | 28.5 | 40.5 | 22.2 | 6.3 | 2.5 | | |
Western Europe | 1970 | 27.6 | 60.3 | 6.3 | 1.2 | 3.0 | 1.6 |
1990 | 19.3 | 44.0 | 16.6 | 14.4 | 3.0 | 2.7 | |
Eastern Europe | 1970 | 60.1 | 23.3 | 13.1 | | 1.0 | 2.4 |
1990 | 48.4 | 24.2 | 20.1 | 4.5 | 1.1 | 1.6 | |
Former USSR | 1970 | 36.8 | 34.8 | 22.3 | 0.2 | 1.6 | 4.3 |
1990 | 21.0 | 30.0 | 42.0 | 4.0 | 1.6 | 1.3 |
World and European primary energy consumption 1970-90 (tonnes of oil equivalent, %)
Explores the differences between renewable (water, forests and crops) and non-renewable (fossil fuels and metal ores) resources. International trade and the growing interdependence of nations have made the sustainable management of these resources a global issue. The chapter focuses on major developments in the use of resources in Europe and reviews the statistics used to monitor resource use.
Presents an overview of emissions to air and water in Europe: their physico-chemical characteristics, magnitude, pathways and sinks. The overview of atmospheric emissions of major pollutants in European countries is based on data reported to UNECE al where available, on Corinair 1990. The analysis of emissions to water is based on the limited quantitative information available and focuses on emissions from agriculture and wastewater. Sol examples illustrate the contribution of industry as a source of emissions to the aquatic environment. Existing emission inventories in European countries are examined; they highlight the need for an integrated means of collecting data on emission and waste to all media, and the need to harmonize emission inventory methodologies at the European level.
Analyses present trends in waste production in Europe, and assesses the potential threats to human health and the environment resulting from current waste management practices. Current patterns of transfrontier movements of hazardous waste across European countries are examined. The options to reduce waste and recycle materials through integrated; processes are presented for a number of waste streams. The assessment is based on up-to-date information from a joint OECD/Eurostat survey and state of the environment report The limited availability, quality and comparability of existing waste statistics highlight the importance of harmonizing was classification systems at the European level.
Composition of municipal waste, 1990 |
Reviews the main impacts of the important 'physical fields' in Europe - environmental noise, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation - and relates them to main sources. Noise data from international sources (OECD and WHO) are presented and analysed wherever possible, to give the overall situation in Europe and in individual countries. Non-ionizing radiation deals with electromagnetic fields and ultraviolet radiation. The main sources and effects of ionizing radiation - natural and artificial - in Europe are described.
The manufacture, marketing and use of chemicals result in the release of many compounds to the environment, often with undesirable effects on human health, welfare and ecosystems. The sources of these compounds are described, as are the impacts of selected chemicals of concern. The use of genetically modified organisms in EU countries is also examined, with their potential undesirable effects and the procedures in place to control their safe use
Field releases of GMOs notified in the EU in 1991-94 |
Examines the characteristics and importance of accidents and natural hazards as causes of environmental impacts. Their causes and consequences in Europe are summarized, and the different types of damage that can be produced are identified. Examples are given of industrial accidents (Flixborough and Seveso, for example), transport accidents, marine accidents and nuclear accidents (as at Chernobyl). Natural hazards such as storms and floods, heatwaves, fires and droughts also impact the environment and are potentially exacerbated by human activities.
Caesium contamination around Tschernobyl after the accident
For references, please go to https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/92-827-5122-8/page007.html or scan the QR code.
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