European Environment Agency (EEA)

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (1994-2019)

Improved bathing water quality across Europe, with nearly 96% of sites meeting minimum quality requirements.
High drinking water quality compliance rates for large supplies across the EU.
Significant reduction in premature deaths due to PM2.5 since 1990.

Initiatives to promote walking and access to green spaces, improving physical and mental health.
VulnerABLE project to improve the health of vulnerable populations.
Efforts to address health inequities through the Joint Action Health Equity Europe (JAHEE) project.

Implementation of EU directives on air quality, environmental noise, and water quality.
European Green Deal to protect citizens' health from environmental degradation.
Development of national adaptation strategies and action plans in many EEA member countries.

Long-term Goals:

Uneven distribution of environmental burden of disease across Europe, with higher rates in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe.
Significant health inequalities within and between European countries.
Exposure to multiple environmental stressors leading to combined health effects.
Knowledge gaps regarding the health effects of certain environmental stressors and chemical mixtures.
Climate change increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
Lack of overarching framework at EU level to address interlinkages across policy domains relevant to environment and health.
Limited access to clean drinking water in some areas, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Presence of emerging pollutants in drinking water.
High levels of noise pollution in many areas.
High exposure to air pollution in many areas.

Implementation of EU directives and policies to improve air and water quality, reduce noise pollution, and address climate change.
Development of integrated policies addressing the environment, health, and well-being nexus.
Promoting access to high-quality green and blue spaces in urban areas.
Targeting vulnerable groups with specific measures to reduce exposure and improve resilience.
Investing in research to address knowledge gaps.
Promoting nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change impacts.
Improving waste water monitoring systems for early warning of disease outbreaks.
Revising air quality standards to align with WHO recommendations.
Recasting the Drinking Water Directive to improve monitoring and address small supplies and private wells.
Implementing measures to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals.

The report highlights how environmental improvements contribute to achieving these SDGs.