Environmental Impacts and Policies in the EU and Spain
Item 10 I: Economic Activity and Environmental Impact
The 20th-century economic model, based on mass production and excessive energy use, has caused significant environmental problems. These global issues require international commitments to address them. Key problems include:
- Air pollution: From industries, power stations, traffic, and heating, leading to global warming, ozone layer depletion, acid rain, and urban pollution.
- Water pollution: Including overfishing, freshwater pollution from agriculture and industry, and marine pollution from waste and oil spills.
- Deforestation: Caused by land clearing for agriculture and industry, leading to increased CO2 emissions, reduced water reserves, and biodiversity loss.
- Soil disturbance: Including erosion from deforestation and poor farming practices, and pollution from industrial and urban waste.
- Reduced biodiversity: Due to habitat loss from deforestation and pollution.
Air Pollution Impacts
- Global warming: Due to increased CO2 emissions, causing climate change.
- Ozone layer thinning: From CFC emissions, harming living beings.
- Acid rain: From sulfur and nitrogen oxides, affecting landscapes and water.
- Urban pollution: From industries and traffic, causing respiratory issues.
Water and Soil Pollution
- Freshwater pollution: From untreated discharges, affecting water quality.
- Marine pollution: From urban waste and oil spills, impacting enclosed seas.
- Soil erosion: From deforestation and unsustainable farming.
- Soil pollution: From chemical discharges and waste accumulation.
Waste Management
Municipal waste accumulation, including household, industrial, and sanitary waste, leads to health problems and pollution. Landfills and waste burning contribute to soil, water, and air pollution.
Item 10 II: Environmental Issues and Policy in the EU
Environmental Problems in the EU
European countries face numerous environmental challenges, including:
- Air and water pollution
- Deforestation and soil erosion
- Municipal waste management
- Noise pollution
EU Environmental Policy
The EU’s policy focuses on:
- Natural area protection: Through the Natura 2000 network.
- Problem prevention: Integrating environmental considerations into all policies.
- Penalties for polluters: Enforced by the European Court.
- Environmental awareness: Supported by European funds.
Policy Implementation
- Environmental impact studies for projects.
- Community environmental rules on pollution and water purification.
- Funds for environmental improvement and recovery of degraded areas.
Item 10 III: Environmental Policy in Spain
Spain’s environmental policy aligns with EU guidelines and is managed by the Ministries of Environment. It focuses on:
- Natural area protection: Establishing national parks, nature reserves, and protected areas.
- Prevention: Requiring environmental impact studies.
- Environmental standards: Implementing measures to reduce pollution, control water usage, reforest areas, fight fires, decontaminate soil, and manage waste.