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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Good

Air pollutant emissions have decreased in the period 2005−2020 to the levels that enable Slovenia achievement of its 2020 targets. But to reach 2030 targets additional decrease is needed. Reduction of emissions contributed to lower impact on ecosystems and human health, as emissions of pollutants that contribute to acidification, ozone precursors and particles, decreased by half compared to 2005.

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The trend of decreasing energy consumption in households between 2010 and 2022 indicates a positive attitude of the population towards efficient energy use. However, since 2017, a negative trend has been observed, particularly in households' awareness of their own energy consumption and in their consideration of more efficient use. With three-quarters of households in 2022 rating their energy consumption as medium to very high, a significant potential for reducing energy consumption in this sector is suggested.

Neutral

The car remains the primary mode of transportation, regardless of the distance or purpose of the trip, while the use of public transport does not show a significant increase. The main barriers to using public transport are poor accessibility, inadequate timetables, a lack of connections, and difficult access. Time inefficiency is also a significant issue. However, there are reasons for optimism, as households are increasingly open to using public transport and car-sharing.

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Sea

Phytoplankton biomass, expressed as chlorophyll a concentration, reflects nutrient loading in the marine environment. Chlorophyll a concentrations shows a trend towards improvement in the status of the Slovenian sea, as the ecological status has been assessed as high or good over the last period.

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Deadwood is an important animal and plant habitat that contributes to the biodiversity of forest ecosystems. According to Slovenia Forest Service data, the volume of standing and fallen trees without stumps and branches in 2022 was 21.3 m3/ha, which represented approximately 6% of the entire wood stock of forest stands. In virgin forests, however, the deadwood volume can be even several dozen times greater.

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In the past centuries, forest area has been increasing constantly after 2010; however, the rate of expansion has slowed down and remains relatively stable in recent years. Since 1875, when forests covered only 36% of the Slovenian territory, forest cover has increased to 58.5% in the year 2009 and rests stable today at 58.0 %. In terms of forest share, Slovenia ranks third among EU-28 countries, behind Sweden and Finland.