KAZALCI OKOLJA

Environmental indicators in Slovenia


Environmental indicators are based on graphs, maps and assessments and as such present environmental trends in Slovenia. The indicators represent one of the four pillars of our environmental reporting, and are prepared in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act. The Environmental Indicators in Slovenia website enables users to browse among 180 indicators. They are based on numerical data and they indicate the state, characteristics and trends of environmental development in Slovenia. They are prepared using a systematic approach based on data and monitoring, as shown in the information pyramid.

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Neutral

Groundwater in intergranular aquifers in Slovenia is most affected by nitrate pollution, particularly in northeastern Slovenia. In contrast, groundwater in karst and fissured aquifers is less impacted due to geographical conditions, lower population density, and a smaller proportion of agricultural land.

For the period 2019–2024, poor chemical status was identified in the water bodies of the Savinja, Drava, and Mura basins. The main cause of poor chemical status in all water bodies was nitrate, with atrazine additionally contributing in the Drava basin.

Neutral

In 2023, drinking water monitoring was carried out in supply zones (water supply systems) that supply 50 or more persons (92.3% of the population). Large, medium and some of small supply zones that supply more than 500 (87.7%) inhabitants, generally have adequate drinking water quality. The smallest supply zones that supply 50-500 inhabitants are the least regulated, in comparison to larger due to the fecal contamination, as some with karst water resources.

Neutral

Comparison of periods 1961–1990 and 1991–2020 on the chosen representative stations around Slovenia shows decrease of heating degree days by around 10 % and multiple increase of cooling degree days. With projected continuous temperature raise until the end of 21st century, those trends are expected to continue. Thus, in Slovenia, energy demand for cooling will increase in the warmer period of the year, while the energy demand for heating will decrease in colder period of the year. Same trend is projected for Europe in general.

Neutral

Annual growing season length is increasing almost everywhere in Europe, mostly in Eastern and Northern part. In Slovenia, the length of the annual growing season is increasing, especially since mid-1990s. According to projections, the duration of the annual growing season throughout Europe will increase in future.

Bad

Among the statistical regions of Slovenia, the Osrednjeslovenska region has the highest ecological footprint per capita (5.8 gha), while the Goriška region has the lowest (4.79 gha). The largest share of the ecological footprint in all regions is represented by the carbon footprint, contributing approximately 60%. A significant portion is also attributed to forest products (around 20%) and agricultural land (around 10%). The region with the highest biocapacity per capita is Primorsko-notranjska (8.02 gha), while Osrednjeslovenska has the lowest (1.11 gha).

Bad

Trends in annual precipitation are not as obvious as temperature trends. Changes between years and differences between regions are significant. According to climate change projections, annual precipitation will increase slightly while changes in seasonal precipitation will be more noticeable. Summer conditions are the most worrying, because less precipitation and higher temperature might result in higher frequency of droughts. In winter, more precipitation may lead to an increase in flooding events.