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The document examines urban heat islands (UHI) in Pärnu, Estonia, highlighting how urban density and coastal dynamics intensify heat. It argues that heat risk is an interaction between physical hazards and social vulnerability, particularly for children and the elderly, and advocates for targeted planning based on spatial mapping of these factors.

The study finds that the composition of mixed municipal waste in Estonia has remained largely stable over the last decade, with biodegradable and packaging waste each making up approximately 32% of the total. While the share of plastic and bio-waste has slightly decreased, there is a significant increase in paper and cardboard packaging, reflecting a decline in the use of traditional waste paper like newspapers. Separately collected packaging containers suffer from high contamination rates (28% on average), particularly in rural areas. WEEE collected at civic amenity sites is dominated by large appliances, heat exchangers, and screens, which account for 89% of the total weight.

The document outlines the 'blue growth' strategy of the European Commission and its application to Estonia, focusing on sectors such as international shipping, fisheries, renewable energy, aquaculture, tourism, minerals, and biotechnology. It highlights the tension between economic expansion—such as the growth in cruise tourism and offshore wind potential—and the ecological vulnerability of the Baltic Sea, which faces pressures from pollution, overfishing, and habitat loss. The briefing emphasizes the necessity of maritime spatial planning to balance these competing interests by 2020-2021.

The document serves as a comprehensive manual for navigating the technical, legal, and administrative processes of deploying wind and solar energy in Estonia. It covers everything from initial site selection and environmental impact assessments to detailed planning, building permits, and grid connection. It emphasizes the role of local governments in implementing national energy goals and provides specific guidance on mitigating environmental impacts and ensuring community benefit.