Ecosystems introduction

Introduction

Biodiversity sustains life on Earth. It provides food, regulates the climate, purifies water, encourages pollination and much more. Biodiversity, like much of nature, is also treasured for its recreational and aesthetic values. One of the major drivers of biodiversity loss and decline in Europe and worldwide is pollution. Pollution puts pressure on freshwater, marine and terrestrial ecosystems, the functions they maintain and the services they provide — all of which are vital for life on Earth.

The types of pollutants that affect ecosystems are wide ranging — from human-made chemical products, nutrients (e.g. nitrogen) and microplastics to ambient sources such as noise and light (as explained in the ‘Signal’ on light pollution).

Pollution can originate from both ‘point‘ sources, such as industrial installations and urban wastewater treatment plants, and ‘diffuse’ sources, such as agriculture and the transport sector (EEA, 2020). The linear (take, make, use, dispose) production and consumption systems that drive Europe’s society and economy tend to exacerbate pollution and its impacts on natural habitats, as detailed in the zero pollution section on production and consumption.

Agriculture contributes significantly to habitat and species harm, with agricultural activities accounting for 48% of all pollution-related pressures on habitats and species in Europe (Figure 1). Other significant sources of pollution pressure include urbanisation (21%) and mixed pollution sources that cannot be attributed to a specific origin or activity (28%) (EEA, 2020). Urbanisation includes urban development; the use of residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas; and dispersed recreational and leisure activities.

Figure 1. Impacts of various activities and economic processes on different habitats and species

Note: The size of the squares and the shade of orange reflect the extent of the pressure exerted by the various activities and economic processes: the larger and darker the squares, the higher the percentage of pollution-related pressure the category accounts for. The category 'Pollution' relates to a small number of sources that are potentially significant but do not fit into any of the other categories (e.g. specific local pollution sources). In general, however, pollution sources are included in a specific category where possible. For example, the use of plant protection products is included in the ‘agriculture’ pressure category because they are directly relevant to that category.

Source: EEA (2020). Based on reporting by EU Member States over the period 2013 to 2018.

Sections of the ecosystems assessment:

 Freshwater pollution and ecosystems

 Marine pollution and ecosystems

 Air pollution and ecosystems

 Soil pollution and ecosystems

 Ecosystem signals

The EU’s zero pollution action plan

The EU’s zero pollution action plan aims to address key pollution issues that negatively affect the environment and human health. It presents a vision for 2050 where pollution is reduced to the extent that it is no longer harmful. Prevention is one of the core principles underpinning the zero pollution action plan. By preventing pollution at its source, we can eliminate the risks to human health and the environment. Further information on the role of the EEA in zero pollution monitoring is available on the zero pollution monitoring home page.

Pollution and ecosystems: summary of findings

Figure 2 presents an overarching assessment of the progress made in reducing pollution and meeting relevant EU policy objectives/targets for freshwater, marine, air and soil pollution impacts on ecosystems. Further information on each of these topics is presented in the relevant sections. A collection of zero pollution ‘Signals’ is also available; these provide supplementary information highlighting other important or emerging issues related to the zero pollution ambitions and ecosystems.

Figure 2. Summary analysis of zero pollution and ecosystems

Cover image source: © Panagiotis Dalagiorgos, Well with Nature /EEA