Box 37A Major urban environmental problems

Ambient quality

Exposure to air pollution and noise are increasing concerns in most European cities. These problems are indicated as causes of environmental stress and threats to public health. Despite the achievements in the reduction of traditional emissions (SO2 and particulate matter) the majority of cities still exceed short-term WHO air quality guidelines (AQGs) at least once in a typical year. Compared with Eastern and Southern European cities, Northern and Western cities are better off as to long-term exposure to SO2, but are now faced with other types of threats (eg, NOx, VOCs). Energy production and industry are still major sources of air pollution in Eastern European cities. In Western cities the main source of air pollution is transport.

Urban space

The quality of urban space is dependent upon the relative share of built and open areas within cities. It also depends on the use of land and accessibility of open space and green areas achieved within the cities. Open and green space is an important component of the quality of urban life, but also for maintaining a balance of the city with the natural environment. In most European cities these elements are under threat as a result of depopulation of the urban centres and urbanisation of the urban fringe. Urban areas that have lost the functions for which they were designed and have not been renewed or re-used have become derelict land.

Urban traffic

Urban transportation is a major contributor to urban energy consumption, emission of air pollutants, traffic congestion and noise. European cities are all faced with increased urban mobility and change in travel mode from public transportation to private car, which have offset the improvements in car efficiency and the improvements in air quality achieved as a result of emission reduction measures. Car ownership has increased markedly during the last 20 years, particularly in Western Europe, and this trend is expected to continue. The share of traffic as a cause of urban air pollution is also expected to increase in Eastern European cities, where the number of cars per person have increased in the last few years.

Energy consumption

In addition to the share of energy consumption due to urban transportation, the amount of energy consumed by cities for heating and cooling offices and residential buildings in Western and Southern Europe has also increased significantly in the last two decades. In spite of the anticipated improvement in energy efficiency, an increase in energy consumption due to urban activities is expected to occur in Eastern European cities as a result of higher living standards.

Urban emissions and waste

Urban activities generate increasing amounts of emissions and waste. Urban waste has increased in volume and changed in composition in the last two decades. In spite of the progress made in recycling in several cities, waste is expected to increase further in the next decade. The disposal of municipal waste is still a major concern.