European environment and health atlas launched by EEA

Driving the news: The European Environment Agency (EEA) has launched the European Environment and Health Atlas, an interactive online platform that allows users to assess environmental factors affecting health and well-being, such as air quality, noise levels, and green spaces.

Why it matters for the planet: The atlas provides a user-friendly tool to better understand how local environments impact health and well-being. Some striking facts:

• 97% of the urban population in Europe is exposed to unsafe levels of air pollution.
• 20% of the EU population lives in areas where noise levels are harmful to health.
• 85% of European bathing waters are of excellent quality.

What’s next:  The atlas will be a "living product," updated regularly and open to user feedback.

• Watch for updates to the tool and potential policy changes inspired by the atlas's data.

One stat: 100% increase in heatwave days in Europe predicted for the period 2030 to 2060 (source: EAA).

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