The European Environment Agency and the Joint Research Centre have published reports on zero pollution monitoring and the outlook to 2025, providing an update on the EU's progress in achieving zero pollution targets by 2030 under the European Green Deal.<\/p>\n
Key points of the report:<\/strong><\/p>\n Objectives and legislation<\/strong><\/p>\n The European Green Deal (EGD) and the Zero Pollution Action Plan (ZPAP) have modernised the EU's regulatory framework for tackling pollution. Several legislative measures play a significant role in achieving the zero pollution targets by 2030, ensuring effective and coordinated action by all Member States.<\/p>\n Progress and challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n The report assesses current progress in reducing pollution in different sectors of the EU. It also identifies areas where the EU has made significant achievements, as well as those that require further action and more intensive support to achieve the set targets.<\/p>\n Data and insights<\/strong><\/p>\n Using extensive data, the report provides key insights into the sources and impacts of pollution across the EU. It identifies persistent gaps in data and knowledge that need to be addressed through further research and improved monitoring, which is essential for effective planning and implementation of measures.<\/p>\n Monitoring integration<\/strong><\/p>\n The report is part of a broader effort to integrate monitoring and foresight frameworks for environmental policy priorities in the context of the Eighth Environment Action Programme (8th EAP). The aim is to deepen understanding of progress and prospects towards achieving the zero pollution ambition, one of the priority objectives of the 8th EAP and the EGD.<\/p>\n Sources of pollution<\/strong><\/p>\n The report focuses on pollution from production and consumption, as well as its impacts on ecosystems and human health. It identifies the main sources of pollution and proposes specific measures to minimize them.<\/p>\n Health impact<\/strong><\/p>\n Pollution has wide-ranging consequences for human health and well-being, requiring an integrated \u2018One Health\u2019 approach. Long-term exposure to traffic noise can lead to a variety of health problems, including sleep disorders and an increased risk of cardiovascular, mental and metabolic disorders. Air pollution also negatively impacts mental health, with a proven link between long-term exposure and an increased risk of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, bipolar disorder and depression, as well as the risk of suicide.<\/p>\n Water pollution<\/strong><\/p>\n The report assesses the state of freshwater ecosystems, focusing on the ecological and chemical status of water bodies, emerging substances, pesticides and nutrient levels. Monitoring of perfluorinated substances (PFAS) in European waters reveals widespread contamination, posing potential risks to human health and the environment.<\/p>\n Soil pollution<\/strong><\/p>\n The report highlights the ongoing threats to soil from contamination and the need to address these issues through initiatives such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and proposed soil monitoring, which are key to sustainable soil management.<\/p>\n Plastics and microplastics<\/strong><\/p>\n Plastic and microplastic pollution is addressed, highlighting monitoring gaps and the need for standardized methodologies to effectively track and reduce them in the environment.<\/p>\n Noise<\/strong><\/p>\n The report states that traffic noise negatively affects a large proportion of the EU population, with more than 20 % exposed to noise levels considered harmful to health. The target of reducing the number of people chronically disturbed by traffic noise by 30 % by 2030 is unlikely based on current projections.<\/p>\n Waste management<\/strong><\/p>\n The report addresses the issue of waste management, emphasizing that reducing waste production can significantly reduce the burden of waste pollution on the environment and human health.<\/p>\n Agriculture<\/strong><\/p>\n Agriculture is a significant source of pollution, with the use of agricultural fertilizers and chemical pesticides being a major factor in water pollution by nitrates and pesticides, requiring fundamental changes in agricultural practices.<\/p>\n Biomonitoring<\/strong><\/p>\n Human biomonitoring is an effective tool for assessing the real-world exposure of people to harmful substances, which contributes to a better understanding and management of health risks associated with pollution.<\/p>\n