Chapter 11: Europe

This chapter from the Global Environment Outlook 5 (GEO-5) report evaluates the environmental governance and policy effectiveness in Europe, highlighting the role of the European Union (EU) and pan-European initiatives in managing climate change, air quality, water resources, waste, and biodiversity.

• The European Union (EU) has maintained robust environmental governance for four decades, utilizing regular monitoring, reporting, and assessment to inform policy and identify emerging issues. This approach is being emulated by neighboring countries and through the Environment for Europe ministerial process started in 1991.
• European countries, both within and outside the EU, are on track to meet Kyoto targets using a variety of tools including carbon taxes, emissions trading schemes, and renewable energy stimulation. The EU and some neighbors also act as major donors for global climate change efforts.
• Air quality has generally improved across Europe, supported by the Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution's monitoring network, though urban air quality and ecosystem degradation remain problematic.
• Freshwater management in Europe relies on international cooperation and integrated water resources management due to the transboundary nature of rivers. While water pricing and metering have encouraged responsible use and non-point source pollution has decreased, water pollution and overuse persist in some areas.
• Waste management is highly regulated, with a shift toward producer responsibility and ecodesign, although waste volumes are still increasing. In Eastern Europe, industrial waste from the socialist era continues to cause ecological issues.
• Despite the establishment of protected area networks like Natura 2000, the overall conservation status of species and habitats shows no improvement due to ongoing degradation of ecosystems and landscapes.

APA

Stockholm Environment Institute (2012). Chapter 11: Europe. https://www.sei.org/publications/geo-5-chapter-11-europe/

Chicago

Stockholm Environment Institute. Chapter 11: Europe. 2012. https://www.sei.org/publications/geo-5-chapter-11-europe/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Stockholm Environment Institute |title=Chapter 11: Europe |date=6 June 2012 |url=https://www.sei.org/publications/geo-5-chapter-11-europe/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{stockholmenvironmentinstitute2012chapter, author = {{Stockholm Environment Institute}}, title = {{Chapter 11: Europe}}, institution = {Stockholm Environment Institute}, year = {2012}, month = jun, url = {https://www.sei.org/publications/geo-5-chapter-11-europe/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }